A major broadband provider, Cox Communications, along with a coalition of smaller developers, have raised concerns about transparency in the grant-making process at the Kansas Department of Commerce. They feel that there is a lack of clarity in how millions of dollars in state and federal funding are being awarded to upgrade internet service in underserved areas of the state. The Department of Commerce plays a key role in selecting recipients for grants to improve high-speed broadband access in areas lacking private investment, which is crucial for education, economic growth, and quality of life.
Cox Communications expressed frustration at only receiving $6 million in grants despite extensive private investments in broadband expansion. Questions were also raised about excess capacity being created in areas where high-speed internet services already existed. The lack of transparency and clarity in scoring criteria for grant applications has led to concerns about potential biases or favoritism in the selection process.
The Department of Commerce has yet to provide a response to these concerns, but legislators have called for more transparency in the grant awarding process to ensure fairness and equal access to high-speed internet services for all Kansans.
Source
Photo credit kansasreflector.com