MEDICINE LODGE, Kan. (KSNW)—A lack of high-speed internet in parts of Kansas is an issue for many rural communities. On Tuesday, crews installed a “smart pole” in Medicine Lodge to help tackle that digital divide.
The smart pole installed in Medicine Lodge is just the brink of what the state’s director of broadband development said needs to happen to bring rural Kansas up to speed with the rest of the state.
The smart pole will provide free high-speed internet to those within a ten-mile radius.
“Making sure the folks in the very remote areas have the opportunity to connect,” said SCTelcom CEO Carla Shearer.
The pole was installed in partnership with the school district to help everyone access the internet.
“This is just a trial, so we can make sure that all the technology is cooperating, as expanding to as far north as Reno County, into the Pratt Iuka areas, corn fields in Pratt County,” said Shearer.
Since 2020, the state has given grants to internet service providers to expand high-speed coverage, but the Director of Broadband Development for the Kansas Department of Commerce said 52,000 businesses and homes in some areas still need help.
“We absolutely think this is an infrastructure that is crucial, just like the utilities for electricity, for water. This is really our generation’s industrialization of the country,” said Director of Broadband Development for the KDC, Joseph Le.
He said state leaders are pushing to connect all of Kansas sooner, opening a new Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Grant for over $450 million. It will be available for internet service providers to expand coverage in rural areas.
Le said it is now necessary due to advancements in tech happening every day.
“Talking about telehealth, or the need to be able to communicate with family over virtual conference calls, going to school or even working beyond the capabilities of video conferencing, has become ingrained in everyday life now,” said Le.
The grant application will open for those companies on Oct. 21 and run through Dec. 5.
The interim director said they are hopeful to award grand funding in early 2025.
