ST. LOUIS — The Broadband Development Authority has released a new tool for Missouri. An interactive map shows where high-speed internet is and isn’t available. It’s part of the federal government’s plan to spend $1.7 billion through a program called Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) to improve internet access and make it available to more people.
This map was developed for the BEAD Challenge. This is when people can let the government know where reliable or fast internet does not exist, but should. This challenge begins on March 18, 2024 and ends on April 19, 2024. If you want to know exactly when it starts, you can sign up to receive emails from the Broadband Development Authority.
The Show-Me State ranks low nationally for high-speed internet access, with more than 400,000 households having no access at all. There are 337,000 locations that do not have access to internet speeds of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload and are considered unserved.
What are the benefits of high-speed internet? Broadband greatly enhances distance learning and work opportunities, enables advanced communication services such as VoIP, enables rapid telehealth consultations, and provides access to cultural and educational resources. , support streaming services, and streamline online shopping.
Justin Fazzari of Sanborn, who helped create the map, said the tool is designed to make sure everything is fair and follows the rules during the BEAD Challenge. It also helps Internet companies decide where to work to improve Internet access.
