| Overview |
| BOYCOM is partnering with the state and federal governments to build a continuous middle mile fiber infrastructure in economically distressed southeastern Missouri where none exists today. This $66 million grant will make a huge difference in the lives of southeastern Missourians. |
| Fills A Void |
| Rural southeastern Missouri is the most economically distressed region of the state. Area residents, businesses and organizations have few viable alternatives for broadband connectivity. This grant will allow Boycom to lay 719 miles of new fiber optic where a majority of the region has limited or no access to high-speed broadband. Without this grant, residents and businesses in northern Missouri had little hope of utilizing high-speed broadband in the near future. |
| Meets Serious Economic/Social Needs |
| This grant will meet the broadband needs of 22 counties. Eleven of the state’s 15 persistent poverty-designated counties are in this grant-funded district. Compared to state and national averages, this region’s population is older, less educated and has a higher poverty rate. This project will generate 930 direct jobs as a result of this grant. |
| Connects Important Anchor Institutions |
| This project includes 1,683 anchor institutions, which includes a consortium of community colleges and universities. A secure and reliable broadband connectivity is vital to the public schools, libraries, medical providers, colleges and public safety entities in this southeastern area. Imagine the possibilities of bringing competitive high-speed broadband to these organizations, residents and businesses! |
| Has Experience |
| BOYCOM has deep experience in both cable operations and telecommunications construction. Boycom owns cable television systems, providing video and high-speed data in 32 communities since 1992. |
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