The Kansas Broadband Roadshow is officially off and rolling.
The roadshow made its first stop in Emporia at the Lyon County Fairgrounds Anderson Building Wednesday evening. Right around 50 residents registered for the informational meeting organized by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development.
According to Director of Broadband Development for the Kansas Department of Commerce Jade Piros De Carvalho, their goal is to close the digital divide for all Kansans. She adds that there is a perception within the state the digital divide is simply between rural and urban communities, however, that is not always the case.
Along with providing more digital equity to the state, Piros De Carvalho says their office is also focused on ensuring all Kansans are able to utilize the technology and resources that come with broadband connectivity.
Piros De Carvalho tells KVOE News the need for broadband access has become more evident in recent years, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic when connectivity was of the utmost importance.
Piros De Carvalho says the pandemic was “transformational” in helping push the discussion on broadband access forward.
During Wednesday’s event, members of the community were able to offer feedback regarding their concerns or struggles when it comes to broadband access and connectivity. Piros De Carvalho says that information, as well as input from all other stops on the tour, will be compiled into a five-year strategic plan to support statewide digital equity that will then be presented to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
The next stop for the roadshow will be next Wednesday in Pratt. If you would like more information on the roadshow or the Office of Broadband Development visit kansascommerce.gov/officeofbroadbanddevelopment.
