DED’s Office of Broadband Development invites you to join us on October 4, 2022, for a statewide summit launching “Connecting All Missourians,” a major initiative to ensure every Missourian has access to high-speed internet – and the skills to use it.
We hope you’ll attend this first-of-its-kind event to hear from broadband leaders including Governor Mike Parson, Department of Economic Development Acting Director Maggie Kost, Office of Broadband Development Director BJ Tanksley, Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn, and more.
“Connecting All Missourians” programs – funded through the Federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program and the Digital Equity Act (DEA) – represent an unprecedented opportunity to connect unserved and underserved Missourians. These programs will fund lasting investments for broadband infrastructure and measures to promote broadband adoption such as digital inclusion. The October 4 summit is just the beginning of a statewide listening tour to inform upcoming programs. Feedback received from stakeholders at the summit and future events will shape the creation of a five-year infrastructure plan and Missouri’s Digital Equity Plan.
In addition to remarks from Governor Parson, the agenda includes a series of informative speakers about current efforts, the public engagement process, and connectivity issues in Missouri. However, the main purpose of the summit is to hear from our stakeholders: rural and urban citizens, businesses, community anchor institutions, local governments, and service providers. Stakeholder input is crucial to the work of the Office of Broadband Development as we develop future programs. The goal of this campaign is to identify broadband challenges and barriers while identifying resources that can further our mission: Connecting All Missourians.