JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Department of Economic Development (DED) encourages all
Missourians to participate in the FCC’s broadband map challenge opportunity as its
Office of Broadband Development works to expand access to high-speed internet
statewide. Filing challenges to correct inaccuracies on the FCC map is important to
determining the amount of funding the state will receive for broadband expansion.
“As we make historic investments to expand internet access, I encourage Missourians to
participate in the FCC’s broadband map challenge process,” said Governor Mike Parson.
“Ensuring we have an accurate understanding of broadband coverage in Missouri is vital.
Maps that reflect our needs will ensure our state receives and administers the necessary
resources to advance our progress in this critical priority.”
The challenge opportunity will identify errors in the new FCC maps that would prevent
Missouri from receiving its full share of funding through the upcoming Broadband Equity,
Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Errors could relate to physical locations or
types of internet service availability. To ensure coverage for homes, businesses, and
communities is accurately represented, any citizen can participate. All challenges
submitted prior to January 13, 2023, will be considered.
“We hope every Missourian will take part in this historic moment for broadband
expansion,” said BJ Tanksley, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “Our goal
is access to quality, high-speed internet for every Missouri citizen, business, and
community. To get there, we need the public’s help.”
The FCC’s map, which displays the best available data of the state’s served, underserved,
and unserved areas, will determine how much of more than $42 billion the state will
receive for broadband expansion. Missouri’s share of this funding will be received through
the BEAD Program, part of the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA). The state will use BEAD funding for its Connecting All Missourians initiative, which aims to provide high-
quality internet statewide.
To assist individuals with challenge submissions, guidance is available from the Office of
Broadband Development or at any local University of Missouri Extension office. Resources,
including an instructional video, how-to document, and FAQs, are available at
ded.mo.gov/getconnected. An informational webinar will be held today, December 16.
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 at https://ded.mo.gov/