FCC COMMITS OVER $1.1 BILLION IN SECOND FUNDING WAVE OF EMERGENCY CONNECTIVITY FUND PROGRAM, FUNDING OVER 2.4 MILLION DEVICES AND 1.9 MILLION BROADBAND CONNECTIONS

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The Federal Communications Commission today announced that it is committing $1,159,681,350.34 for 2,471 schools, 205 libraries, and 26 consortia that applied for support from the $7.17 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund Program. Combined with the first funding wave, students, school staff and library patrons in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands will receive access to the devices and broadband connectivity they need to support their off-premises educational needs.

MetroNet to Make O’Fallon a Gigabit City

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MetroNet announced plans to build an advanced fiber-optic network in O’Fallon, bringing gigabit-speed internet service to residents and businesses in the city for the first time. MetroNet, the nation’s largest independently owned 100 percent fiber-optic provider, will fully fund the construction through a multi-million dollar investment. MetroNet expects construction to begin in O’Fallon next year, with the first customers coming online as neighborhood buildouts are completed.

Governor Parson Announces $400 Million Plan to Improve Broadband Infrastructure in Missouri

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During a press conference at the Missouri State Fair hosted by the Missouri Farm Bureau, Governor Mike Parson announced plans to deploy more than $400 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to increase broadband internet access, adoption, and assistance statewide

Economic Benefits of Expanding Broadband in Select Missouri Counties

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This study estimated the 10-year economic benefits that would result from expanding fixed broadband adoption in three Missouri counties that vary in their existing adoption levels and population size: Bollinger, Henry and Nodaway. Fixed broadband includes fiberoptic, cable, or DSL (digital subscriber line) technologies considered more reliable that other broadband connections.