In late November, the federal government released new maps highlighting broadband availability. US Senator Roger Marshall is now requesting a deadline extension so people can challenge the map if they so choose.
The deadline is Friday. Marshall is asking for a 90-day deadline delay, saying the maps as presented are inaccurate and incomplete — this reducing or eliminating chances for appropriate federal aid so rural areas of Kansas can improve access.
The maps demonstrate at least 80 percent of residents in most parts of the KVOE listening area have access to fixed broadband, but there are significant areas of Chase County, southwest Lyon County, western Greenwood County and near the John Redmond Reservoir in Coffey County that have no access. The entire KVOE listening area has access to mobile broadband but only at a level of 20-40 percent capacity, according to maps posted online by the Federal Communications Commission.
Lyon County had made a significant push to become the nation’s first county with complete broadband access, in large part through federal funding, but that has been on hold for months with the county effort under review at the state level at last word.
*Click here for the link to the broadband maps through the Federal Communications Commission.
*Click here for the link to challenge the broadband maps.
