Davids Encourages Public Input to Improve Internet Access in Kansas

Today, Representative Sharice Davids joined the Kansas Office of Broadband Development and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to encourage participation in the FCC's National Broadband Map challenge process. The map of where broadband internet is—and is not—available will guide implementation of $42.4 billion of bipartisan infrastructure law funding to improve high-speed internet access, including a minimum of $100 million to Kansas.

"If we want to improve access to high-speed internet in Kansas, we need an accurate understanding of where the gaps are. That's why I'm asking all Kansans to take a couple minutes out of their day to participate in this mapping project," said Davids. "Internet access can often mean opportunity in today's world. If we work together, we can help that opportunity extend equally to all Kansans."

In 2021, Davids voted to pass historic investments in broadband expansion through the bipartisan infrastructure law. Congress also required the creation of a map detailing current levels of internet access across the country. The FCC has released that map using data from internet service providers and is now asking for public input to improve its accuracy.

Today, Davids, along with Ed Bartholme from the FCC and Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of Broadband Development at the Kansas Department of Commerce, demonstrated how to participate in the map project and why it's critical that the map is accurate.

Watch the demonstration here.

The map's data will help guide the implementation of $42.4 billion of bipartisan infrastructure law funding, including at least $100 million to Kansas, dedicated to improving high-speed internet access. Kansas has already received $5.6 million to support planning efforts ahead of that additional investment. Individuals are encouraged to submit challenges to the map by Friday, January 13. Instructions for how to participate can be found here or by watching Davids' demonstration above.