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Socket receives Emergency Broadband Investment Program Grant

August 13, 2020

 

(COLUMBIA, MO) – Socket is a recipient of funding to expand high-speed internet access through the state’s Emergency Broadband Investment Program, Governor Mike Parson announced today at a media event at Socket.

Socket has $619,149 available in assistance to connect 447 homes through the program. Today’s announcement highlights the first round of recipients.

 

In July, six programs were created within the nearly $50 million Rapid Broadband Deployment Initiative which uses funds awarded to Missouri under the CARES act. The Emergency Broadband Investment Program has been allocated up to $20 million to expand broadband in rural areas throughout Missouri.

 

Socket received a grant to provide high-speed internet access to four locations, including an area southwest of Ashland, the south-central portion of Fayette, and homes within the Meadowbrook neighborhood and Verdant Lane neighborhood in St. Martins.

 

“Expanding broadband is essential to our state’s infrastructure,” Governor Parson said. “Connecting more Missourians with high-speed internet will allow them to utilize digital platforms for education, health, and business that are so critical during this time.”

 

The program was designed to reimburse providers that have expanded, or plan to connect, high- speed internet to residents in unserved or underserved areas in the state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers will utilize funds to assist with construction costs for new broadband expansion to households with students or vulnerable populations.

 

Parson was joined at the media announcement by Boone County District 1 Commissioner Fred Parry and Socket President and COO Carson Coffman.

 

“Socket is proud to be one of the first recipients of the Emergency Broadband Investment Program,” said Carson Coffman, president and COO of Socket. “Now more than ever, we know how critical it is to provide access high-speed internet service to the community.”

 

This expansion is the latest Socket has announced to bring fiber optic service throughout central

 

Missouri. Socket’s customers have access to the latest communications technology available. Fiber is considered to be a future-proof technology, since its large bandwidth capacity will be able to accommodate increased internet usage for decades to come.

 

Socket is celebrating 25 years of growing powerful connections. Founded in 1994, Socket is a Missouri-based telephone and internet service provider with the largest service area in the state. Socket is a privately held company that provides families and businesses a choice for local and long-distance phone and internet service. It combines the highest quality customer service with in-depth technical knowledge. Socket’s customers enjoy simple billing and quick, friendly service. For additional information, visit www.socket.net.

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ATTENTION REPORTERS AND EDITORS:

To view all Socket news releases, please visit www.socket.net/press-releases