Attention to internet access is ramping up across both sides of state line [Video]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The state of Missouri needs your help in bringing internet access to those who need it most.

The state got $1.7 billion through the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to help bring broadband to areas without access. The BEAD State Challenge Program is meant to update the Missouri Broadband Map, which helps the state make funding decisions.

Challengers are those who qualify — like local governments, nonprofits or internet service providers — who can provide information on locations that should or should not be available for funding. Members of the public can then submit evidence to help support these challenges. As evidence is submitted, the public map will be update to show a location that is challenged. The challenge process closes on May 8 before the 30-day rebuttal process begins.

Attention to broadband issues and access is growing across the Kansas City-area. Just last Friday, the city of Spring Hill …