Kansas Governor approves over $10 million to expand Internet access to devices, public Wi-Fi
TOPEKA, Kan. (KCTV)—The second round of the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program will open on Thursday, Dec. 12.
On Tuesday, Kansas State Governor Laura Kelly announced that the program will provide $10.7 million to organizations working to expand access to public Wi-Fi and connected devices.
“Our digital opportunity programs empower Kansans to reach their full potential in work, education, and entrepreneurship,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The ADOPT program provides resources for communities to thrive in a digitally connected economy.”
The Kansas Office of Broadband Division (KOBD) continues to partner with entities that can procure, distribute, manage, and maintain devices for the program’s Equipment Distribution component.
The devices will be provided to individuals who cannot connect to the internet. The program emphasizes long-term loans for computers, laptops, and tablets to ensure sustainable access for qualifying individuals.
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland shared that the program has an immediate impact on Kansas.
“We are able to remove technological barriers and provide tools necessary to navigate today’s digital environment. Through access to devices and public wi-fi, individuals can enhance job skills, participate in telehealth appointments, engage in online learning, and do remote work, furthering their ability to succeed in the future economy,” Toland said.
ADOPT is built around two key categories:
- Equipment Distribution: the maximum individual award is $500,000 and requires 2% match and 1% co-investment
- Public Wi-Fi: the maximum individual award is capped at $1 million and requires 5% match and 2% co-investment
“KOBD continues to engage with our neighbors while being future-focused on our mission to ensure all Kansans can access digital tools needed to thrive,” Interim Director of Kansas Office of Broadband Development Joseph Le said. “We have been encouraged by the innovative ideas and partnerships developed in the first round of ADOPT, and we expect this second round to continue to propel Kansas forward.”
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