Governor Nixon created the MoBroadbandNow initiative to develop a public-private partnership of multiple cooperative partners to build broadband access to all areas of the state. The Governor’s goal is to increase broadband accessibility from its current level of 79 percent to 95 percent by the end of 2014. The MoBroadbandNow initiative includes the following specific efforts:

Compete for federal funding

Through the MoBroadbandNow initiative, Missouri has aggressively competed to bring broadband grants and loans to the state. Missouri was very successful in its efforts bringing in $261 million for 19 projects. These projects must be substantially complete within two years, which means that Missourians should begin to reap the benefits of improvements in the near future.

Missouri Broadband Summit

MoBroadbandNow will convene a broadband summit annually in the fall. On October 26 and 27, the first summit brought together nearly 400 participants representing citizens, providers, regional and state advocacy groups and industry sectors. The summit provided information on the current state of broadband accessibility in Missouri as well as discussion on how best to engage communities at the grassroots level with local and regional planning.

The 2010 broadband summit served as a catalyst for beginning the regional technology planning phase currently underway across the state. The 2011 broadband summit will include a review of the needs assessment process and the data collected from providers, industry sectors, residents and businesses. There will also be focused technology breakout sessions and a “town hall” forum discussion on implementing a comprehensive strategic statewide broadband plan.

Regional Planning for Broadband

The first summit kicked-off a long-term planning effort to ensure continued enhancement of broadband access and ensure that the infrastructure meets the needs of citizens, businesses, and government. The 19 Regional Planning Commissions (RPC) across the state will develop specific plans for every area of the state. Each RPC will create a Regional Planning Technical Team (RTPT) including citizens, policy makers, business, industry, higher education, schools, investors, and others. The MoBroadbandNow initiative will provide technical assistance, data, and information during the process. Each RTPT will complete a regional broadband plan that identifies the issues and gaps for their area. All of the regional plans will be used to develop a statewide plan for state policy to advance broadband availability and adoption throughout the Missouri. All Missourians are encouraged to participate in this process by attending meetings or reaching out to provide comments and input to local members of the planning committees. This grass roots effort is designed to allow you substantial input.

Timeline for events