News
Kansas has announced plans to break ground next week on a $43 million project to build the Freestate Middle Mile Network.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
A middle-mile project funded by a $43 million federal grant will get underway in Kansas this month, the state’s governor has announced.
The project, known as the Freestate Middle Mile Network, is funded by NTIA dollars.
With the announcement, U.S. Representative Sharice Davids said she was proud to see the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in action.
“The internet is essential for accessing resources like job opportunities, virtual learning, and healthcare services,” she said. “This groundbreaking will mark a major step toward closing the digital gap and bringing high-speed internet to more Kansas families.”
The project will also launch fiber leasing opportunities from local providers, according to the Kansas Department of Commerce’s June release.
Once completed, the Freestate Middle Mile Network will stretch for 670 miles across Kansas.
The network, publicly funded and publicly owned, showcases the Sunflower State’s “financial stewardship and strategic approach to improve the digital landscape,” according to Lt. Governor David Toland.
Toland, who also serves as the Kansas Secretary of Commerce, said the project will additionally support economic growth.
Hometown ISP to build first leg of new network
IdeaTek will be building the first leg of the open-access fiber network.
The ISP, based in Buhler, Kansas, said the project will connect anchor points, along with institutions in Kansas City, Emporia, Pittsburg, and Wichita.
IdeaTek, which employs nearly 200 people, has deployed 7,500 miles of fiber, built 150 wireless towers, and operates across over 100 Kansas communities, their June 6 release said.
Daniel Friesen, IdeaTek’s co-founder and chief innovation officer, remarked on the project, calling it “just the beginning.”
Friesen founded IdeaTek in 1999 with four friends while he was a student at Buhler High School.
His comments were included with IdeaTek’s June 6 release.
“We believe every Kansan deserves access to fast, affordable internet — no matter where they live. Middle-mile infrastructure is the backbone of that vision,” Friesen said.
Friesen described the Freestate Middle Mile Network project as “a pivotal step” for connectivity in Kansas.
“By building this critical infrastructure, we’re not only addressing current connectivity gaps but also laying the groundwork for our state’s forward-leaning strategies in intelligent infrastructure for transportation, agriculture and the overall gig economy,” Friesen said.
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