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High-Speed Broadband Internet DISCOVERY GROUP

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What we have been learning together...

_______________________________________

March 11, 2024—Update on Broadband Discovery Group Held

Click on the link in the Video Recordings Library on this page to watch the event. The presentation slides can also be downloaded from the Documents Library on this page.

The following experts shared updates on what is happening across the state and throughout the region of northwest Missouri:

  • BJ Tanksley, Director, Office of Broadband Development, Missouri Department of Economic Development
  • Kim Mildward, Economic Development Planner, Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments
  • Joe Hegeman, Director of Community Relations, United Fiber
  • Jeff Lindsey, Director, Government Affairs, Charter Communications (Spectrum)

Christel Gollnick, Maximize NWMO Guiding Coalition member framed the conversation with a short introduction to the regional collaborACTION work.

_______________________________________

February 23, 2024—Missouri Office of Broadband Development launches interactive map to help invest $1.7 billion in BEAD funding

Jefferson City, Mo. — The Department of Economic Development’s (DED) Office of Broadband Development (OBD) announced today that it has launched the first version of the new Missouri Public Broadband Availability Interactive Map. The map, which uses the Sanborn Map Company’s Broadband Navigator technology, will assist in the investment of $1.7 billion in funding provided by the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.

“We’re excited to release mapping that will inform the public and private sectors about broadband availability and BEAD program funding,” said BJ Tanksley, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “This interactive map will play a vital role in collecting feedback from stakeholders during the BEAD challenge process and help prepare for project implementation. We encourage citizens to review the map as we continue working to fulfill our mission of connecting all Missourians.”

The interactive map will assist Missourians during the BEAD challenge process, which will allow for the reporting of locations that lack service and should be eligible for funding. The challenge process is scheduled to open on March 18, 2024, and close on April 19, 2024. To be notified when the challenge process begins, subscribe for email updates from OBD.

“Sanborn’s Broadband Navigator is built for and will help states conduct a fair BEAD state challenge process following NTIA policy,” said Justin Fazzari, Sanborn’s Senior Broadband Strategist and former NTIA policy analyst. “In the case of Missouri, the application will also allow for internet service providers to create project areas during the subgrantee selection process.”

About The Sanborn Map Company

Sanborn’s leadership in the creation of high-quality spatial data began in 1866. Today, Sanborn is at the forefront of spatial data collection and technology innovation and committed to offering clients the best in comprehensive state-of-the-art geospatial solutions tailored to their situation. As one of the largest providers of end-to-end GIS products and services in the U.S., Sanborn offerings include oblique imagery, ortho imagery, lidar, sonar, geophysical survey, and hyperspectral data and mapping, secure data storage and streaming, spatial analytics, custom application development, GIS-IT strategic planning and technical consulting, commercial data and cloud platforms, Sanborn SAAS geospatial solutions, staff augmentation, and GIS program managed services. The Sanborn advantage is to help customers identify the right data and tech, and to create solutions that match their needs, budget, and system requirements.

To learn more about Sanborn, visit sanborn.com.

About the Office of Broadband Development

The Office of Broadband Development (OBD) is focused on addressing broadband availability and non-infrastructure barriers to full participation in the digital economy in Missouri by working with providers, communities, and stakeholders to expand and accelerate broadband deployment across the state. OBD’s Connecting All Missourians initiative includes an extensive public engagement process to inform plans for programs funded by the Digital Equity Act (DEA) and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, both part of the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA).

To learn more about the Office of Broadband Development or its programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.

About the Missouri Department of Economic Development

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.

For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.

_______________________________________

November 10, 2022—Broadband Discovery Group Update Hosted by Maximize NWMO

The video recording and slide deck from the online gathering held on November 10, 2022, is now available on this page. A quick update on the three biggest influences on community success was shared, and then presentations were made by the following panel. They shared several big projects and opportunities related to improving access to the Internet and digital literacy within Northwest Missouri.

  • Marcus McCarty, Senior Consultant Broadband Initiatives, Office of Engagement and Outreach, University of Missouri System, Adjunct Professor of Law, UMKC School of Law
  • Randa Doty, Community Economic Development Field Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
  • Kim Mildward, Economic Development Planner, Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments
  • Casey Canfield, Assistant Professor, Engineering Management & Systems Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology

_______________________________________

September 7, 2022—New journal article published on Project OVERCOME

Check out the latest update on the broadband experiment, Project OVERCOME, in Clinton County's Turney, MO. The project was recently published in the Agricultural 7 Applied Economics Association's [AAEA] journal, Choices. Read more about the project on our webpage here or find the article at https://www.choicesmagazine.org/choices-magazine/theme-articles/making-it-count-applying-science-to-support-universal-broadband/integrating-research-and-extension-to-improve-community-participation-in-broadband-projects.

_______________________________________

August 5, 2022—Link to an excellent resource for updates on broadband resources through ARPA!

Check out the Missouri Department of Economic Development's resource page for broadband at https://ded2.mo.gov/one-stop-arpa-resources-broadband.

_______________________________________

December 8, 2021—Did you know that high-speed broadband drives growth in entrepreneurial ideas, small business start-ups, and main street business growth in communities?

Rural communities, especially, are finding dependable internet as critical to their success as having electricity. Read a story highlighting a study by Tessa Conroy and Sarah A. Low about how women-led start-ups in rural areas, in particular, are benefitting from being better connected. https://dailyyonder.com/research-report-broadband-drives-growth-in-women-led-rural-entrepreneurship/2021/12/08/

_______________________________________

September 10, 2021—Check out the latest Information in the Rural Broadband Town Hall Video here!

On September 10th from 10:00 a.m.-Noon Internet Service Providers serving Northwest Missouri were part of a discussion organized by Rep. Randy Railsback and co-hosted by Representatives J. Eggleston, Louis Riggs, Rusty Black, Dean VanSchoiack, Peggy McGaugh, and Senator Dan Hegeman.

The conversation was held at MU's Hundley-Whaley Center in Albany, MO, and via Zoom. MU Extension's Joe Lear and Jackie Spainhower, along with Maximize NWMO's Christel Gollnick, coordinated and recorded the event. Listen to the educational conversation here or by clicking on the video posted to the right or below on this web page. A brief bullet summary of the conversation includes:

  • Understand that technology is a moving and growing target of innovation growing at exponential speed.
  • Accessibility, reliability, and affordability should all be considered for the end-user and the Internet Service Providers.
  • Focus on fixed wire lines, a.k.a. Fiber, as the preferred delivery method because it is expandable, reliable, and sustainable.
  • Focus on technology more than speed. However, the State's definition of broadband speed is outdated and should be changed to 1GB upload and download as the definition of high-speed Internet access. At a minimum, it should be defined as 100MB upload and download. The current definition is 25 MB upload and 3 MB download, which is nearly as slow as dial-up.
  • Keep funding as local as possible instead of awarding it to companies that have no stake in the region's communities and their vitality.
  • Give the local ISPs as much flexibility as possible while also holding them accountable for follow-through and accurate reporting of coverage area responsibility. Clarity of communication and collaboration would be very helpful.
  • The workforce necessary to staff the ISPs are aging out, so including post-secondary education providers with the skill sets needed in the implementation plan would be very helpful to ensure the ISPs have a workforce to deploy.
  • Build with the future in mind instead of a bandage for today's problems.
  • Aim for high-speed coverage of every acre that is built on a strong fiber backbone that works for everything from rural residents to precision agriculture in the middle of large fields to community downtowns and industrial districts. Everyone needs it to thrive!

_______________________________________

June 15, 2021—We learned a great deal in our latest Discovery Group update session about the progress being made in the region related to high-speed end-of-the-road broadband access. Nearly every household and business needs to use the Internet in today's world. The group of experts that gathered is working to close the digital divide and improve the quality of life and opportunities for residents of all ages, including students, entrepreneurs, those needing to access telemedicine, and more!

Watch the Video of our June 14, 2021, online discovery discussion:

Click here to watch!

Download the slide presentations from the Document Library

The Library is on the right side (or towards the bottom if viewing on a mobile device) of this page.

_______________________________________

April 22, 2021—Check out Project OVERCOME, a broadband experiment funded in Clinton County's Village of Turney, thanks to a partnership of several organizations and funders. If this project is successful, the region's more remote areas may have a new high-speed option for accessing the Internet from their homes and businesses!

December 15, 2020—A new resource is now available, thanks to the University of Missouri Broadband Initiative! Check out www.mobroadband.org today to connect with all of the new resources related to broadband growth in the state!

November 13, 2020—In August, a Maximize NWMO Broadband Team was formed to continue learning and band together on the essential issue of High-Speed Broadband Internet within the region. The Discovery Group will be meeting again to share recent information and discuss new ideas and progress before the end of the year.

Make sure you have registered on this website to receive invitations to future online conversations and updates on new information.

August 13, 2020—Several experts and residents discussed what is happening with the effort to expand access to, and adoption of, high-speed broadband Internet coverage in the 18-county region of northwest Missouri. The group, facilitated by Christel Gollnick of JUPER Communications, LLC on behalf of Maximize NWMO, discussed the technology options, the business of broadband, and the areas of excellent and lacking coverage while acknowledging the challenges.

Tim Arbeiter, State of Missouri Economic Development Department, Dr. Lav Gupta, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Mike Chambers, AT&T, and Darren Farnan, United Fiber/United Electic Co-op, shared their perspectives in the discovery group.

Watch the Video of our June 15, 2020, online discovery discussion:

Click here to watch!

Download the slide presentations from the Document Library

The Library is on the right side (or towards the bottom if viewing on a mobile device) of this page.

_______________________________________

As of August 13, 2020, we have uploaded several presentations and helpful reports to the Document Library on this page, as well as the following resource links:

On Thursday, July 16, 2020 members of the NWMO Economic Development Roundtable received an updated presentation from Tim Arbeiter, Director of Broadband Development, State of Missouri Department of Economic Development.

A significant amount of funding is being released through Missouri's Rapid Broadband Deployment Strategy in six areas including:

  • Provider Expansion
  • K-12 Education
  • Higher Education
  • Health Centers
  • Libraries
  • Broadband Technical Assistance

The presentation is available in the Document Library on this page and more information is available at https://showmestrong.mo.gov/broadband/.

What we have been learning together...

_______________________________________

March 11, 2024—Update on Broadband Discovery Group Held

Click on the link in the Video Recordings Library on this page to watch the event. The presentation slides can also be downloaded from the Documents Library on this page.

The following experts shared updates on what is happening across the state and throughout the region of northwest Missouri:

  • BJ Tanksley, Director, Office of Broadband Development, Missouri Department of Economic Development
  • Kim Mildward, Economic Development Planner, Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments
  • Joe Hegeman, Director of Community Relations, United Fiber
  • Jeff Lindsey, Director, Government Affairs, Charter Communications (Spectrum)

Christel Gollnick, Maximize NWMO Guiding Coalition member framed the conversation with a short introduction to the regional collaborACTION work.

_______________________________________

February 23, 2024—Missouri Office of Broadband Development launches interactive map to help invest $1.7 billion in BEAD funding

Jefferson City, Mo. — The Department of Economic Development’s (DED) Office of Broadband Development (OBD) announced today that it has launched the first version of the new Missouri Public Broadband Availability Interactive Map. The map, which uses the Sanborn Map Company’s Broadband Navigator technology, will assist in the investment of $1.7 billion in funding provided by the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.

“We’re excited to release mapping that will inform the public and private sectors about broadband availability and BEAD program funding,” said BJ Tanksley, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “This interactive map will play a vital role in collecting feedback from stakeholders during the BEAD challenge process and help prepare for project implementation. We encourage citizens to review the map as we continue working to fulfill our mission of connecting all Missourians.”

The interactive map will assist Missourians during the BEAD challenge process, which will allow for the reporting of locations that lack service and should be eligible for funding. The challenge process is scheduled to open on March 18, 2024, and close on April 19, 2024. To be notified when the challenge process begins, subscribe for email updates from OBD.

“Sanborn’s Broadband Navigator is built for and will help states conduct a fair BEAD state challenge process following NTIA policy,” said Justin Fazzari, Sanborn’s Senior Broadband Strategist and former NTIA policy analyst. “In the case of Missouri, the application will also allow for internet service providers to create project areas during the subgrantee selection process.”

About The Sanborn Map Company

Sanborn’s leadership in the creation of high-quality spatial data began in 1866. Today, Sanborn is at the forefront of spatial data collection and technology innovation and committed to offering clients the best in comprehensive state-of-the-art geospatial solutions tailored to their situation. As one of the largest providers of end-to-end GIS products and services in the U.S., Sanborn offerings include oblique imagery, ortho imagery, lidar, sonar, geophysical survey, and hyperspectral data and mapping, secure data storage and streaming, spatial analytics, custom application development, GIS-IT strategic planning and technical consulting, commercial data and cloud platforms, Sanborn SAAS geospatial solutions, staff augmentation, and GIS program managed services. The Sanborn advantage is to help customers identify the right data and tech, and to create solutions that match their needs, budget, and system requirements.

To learn more about Sanborn, visit sanborn.com.

About the Office of Broadband Development

The Office of Broadband Development (OBD) is focused on addressing broadband availability and non-infrastructure barriers to full participation in the digital economy in Missouri by working with providers, communities, and stakeholders to expand and accelerate broadband deployment across the state. OBD’s Connecting All Missourians initiative includes an extensive public engagement process to inform plans for programs funded by the Digital Equity Act (DEA) and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, both part of the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA).

To learn more about the Office of Broadband Development or its programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.

About the Missouri Department of Economic Development

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.

For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.

_______________________________________

November 10, 2022—Broadband Discovery Group Update Hosted by Maximize NWMO

The video recording and slide deck from the online gathering held on November 10, 2022, is now available on this page. A quick update on the three biggest influences on community success was shared, and then presentations were made by the following panel. They shared several big projects and opportunities related to improving access to the Internet and digital literacy within Northwest Missouri.

  • Marcus McCarty, Senior Consultant Broadband Initiatives, Office of Engagement and Outreach, University of Missouri System, Adjunct Professor of Law, UMKC School of Law
  • Randa Doty, Community Economic Development Field Specialist, University of Missouri Extension
  • Kim Mildward, Economic Development Planner, Northwest Missouri Regional Council of Governments
  • Casey Canfield, Assistant Professor, Engineering Management & Systems Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology

_______________________________________

September 7, 2022—New journal article published on Project OVERCOME

Check out the latest update on the broadband experiment, Project OVERCOME, in Clinton County's Turney, MO. The project was recently published in the Agricultural 7 Applied Economics Association's [AAEA] journal, Choices. Read more about the project on our webpage here or find the article at https://www.choicesmagazine.org/choices-magazine/theme-articles/making-it-count-applying-science-to-support-universal-broadband/integrating-research-and-extension-to-improve-community-participation-in-broadband-projects.

_______________________________________

August 5, 2022—Link to an excellent resource for updates on broadband resources through ARPA!

Check out the Missouri Department of Economic Development's resource page for broadband at https://ded2.mo.gov/one-stop-arpa-resources-broadband.

_______________________________________

December 8, 2021—Did you know that high-speed broadband drives growth in entrepreneurial ideas, small business start-ups, and main street business growth in communities?

Rural communities, especially, are finding dependable internet as critical to their success as having electricity. Read a story highlighting a study by Tessa Conroy and Sarah A. Low about how women-led start-ups in rural areas, in particular, are benefitting from being better connected. https://dailyyonder.com/research-report-broadband-drives-growth-in-women-led-rural-entrepreneurship/2021/12/08/

_______________________________________

September 10, 2021—Check out the latest Information in the Rural Broadband Town Hall Video here!

On September 10th from 10:00 a.m.-Noon Internet Service Providers serving Northwest Missouri were part of a discussion organized by Rep. Randy Railsback and co-hosted by Representatives J. Eggleston, Louis Riggs, Rusty Black, Dean VanSchoiack, Peggy McGaugh, and Senator Dan Hegeman.

The conversation was held at MU's Hundley-Whaley Center in Albany, MO, and via Zoom. MU Extension's Joe Lear and Jackie Spainhower, along with Maximize NWMO's Christel Gollnick, coordinated and recorded the event. Listen to the educational conversation here or by clicking on the video posted to the right or below on this web page. A brief bullet summary of the conversation includes:

  • Understand that technology is a moving and growing target of innovation growing at exponential speed.
  • Accessibility, reliability, and affordability should all be considered for the end-user and the Internet Service Providers.
  • Focus on fixed wire lines, a.k.a. Fiber, as the preferred delivery method because it is expandable, reliable, and sustainable.
  • Focus on technology more than speed. However, the State's definition of broadband speed is outdated and should be changed to 1GB upload and download as the definition of high-speed Internet access. At a minimum, it should be defined as 100MB upload and download. The current definition is 25 MB upload and 3 MB download, which is nearly as slow as dial-up.
  • Keep funding as local as possible instead of awarding it to companies that have no stake in the region's communities and their vitality.
  • Give the local ISPs as much flexibility as possible while also holding them accountable for follow-through and accurate reporting of coverage area responsibility. Clarity of communication and collaboration would be very helpful.
  • The workforce necessary to staff the ISPs are aging out, so including post-secondary education providers with the skill sets needed in the implementation plan would be very helpful to ensure the ISPs have a workforce to deploy.
  • Build with the future in mind instead of a bandage for today's problems.
  • Aim for high-speed coverage of every acre that is built on a strong fiber backbone that works for everything from rural residents to precision agriculture in the middle of large fields to community downtowns and industrial districts. Everyone needs it to thrive!

_______________________________________

June 15, 2021—We learned a great deal in our latest Discovery Group update session about the progress being made in the region related to high-speed end-of-the-road broadband access. Nearly every household and business needs to use the Internet in today's world. The group of experts that gathered is working to close the digital divide and improve the quality of life and opportunities for residents of all ages, including students, entrepreneurs, those needing to access telemedicine, and more!

Watch the Video of our June 14, 2021, online discovery discussion:

Click here to watch!

Download the slide presentations from the Document Library

The Library is on the right side (or towards the bottom if viewing on a mobile device) of this page.

_______________________________________

April 22, 2021—Check out Project OVERCOME, a broadband experiment funded in Clinton County's Village of Turney, thanks to a partnership of several organizations and funders. If this project is successful, the region's more remote areas may have a new high-speed option for accessing the Internet from their homes and businesses!

December 15, 2020—A new resource is now available, thanks to the University of Missouri Broadband Initiative! Check out www.mobroadband.org today to connect with all of the new resources related to broadband growth in the state!

November 13, 2020—In August, a Maximize NWMO Broadband Team was formed to continue learning and band together on the essential issue of High-Speed Broadband Internet within the region. The Discovery Group will be meeting again to share recent information and discuss new ideas and progress before the end of the year.

Make sure you have registered on this website to receive invitations to future online conversations and updates on new information.

August 13, 2020—Several experts and residents discussed what is happening with the effort to expand access to, and adoption of, high-speed broadband Internet coverage in the 18-county region of northwest Missouri. The group, facilitated by Christel Gollnick of JUPER Communications, LLC on behalf of Maximize NWMO, discussed the technology options, the business of broadband, and the areas of excellent and lacking coverage while acknowledging the challenges.

Tim Arbeiter, State of Missouri Economic Development Department, Dr. Lav Gupta, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Mike Chambers, AT&T, and Darren Farnan, United Fiber/United Electic Co-op, shared their perspectives in the discovery group.

Watch the Video of our June 15, 2020, online discovery discussion:

Click here to watch!

Download the slide presentations from the Document Library

The Library is on the right side (or towards the bottom if viewing on a mobile device) of this page.

_______________________________________

As of August 13, 2020, we have uploaded several presentations and helpful reports to the Document Library on this page, as well as the following resource links:

On Thursday, July 16, 2020 members of the NWMO Economic Development Roundtable received an updated presentation from Tim Arbeiter, Director of Broadband Development, State of Missouri Department of Economic Development.

A significant amount of funding is being released through Missouri's Rapid Broadband Deployment Strategy in six areas including:

  • Provider Expansion
  • K-12 Education
  • Higher Education
  • Health Centers
  • Libraries
  • Broadband Technical Assistance

The presentation is available in the Document Library on this page and more information is available at https://showmestrong.mo.gov/broadband/.

Page last updated: 11 Mar 2024, 04:07 PM