Kansas has announced the official groundbreaking of the $43 million Freestate Middle Mile Network, a publicly owned fiber-optic infrastructure initiative aimed at closing digital connectivity gaps across the state. Construction will begin this month, with a formal groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for June 18 at Emporia State University.
The project, funded by a $43 million federal grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), will deploy a 670-mile middle-mile broadband network. The infrastructure will enhance internet access in underserved communities, create new internet exchange points, and support high-speed connectivity for public services, transportation, and emergency response systems.
The Freestate Network is designed to facilitate partnerships with local internet providers by offering fiber leasing opportunities beginning in 2025. By utilizing existing highway infrastructure, the project minimizes costs and accelerates deployment.
The Kansas Department of Transportation is managing the project in collaboration with the state’s Office of Broadband Development and the Department of Commerce.