Kansas Broadband News
KOBD Seeking Information On Pricing Of Leased Dark Fiber & Lit Services To Help Develop Pricing For Freestate Middle Mile Project
September 10, 2025 – The Kansas Office Of Broadband Development (KOBD) has requested input from service providers regarding pricing of leased dark fiber or lit services in Kansas. KOBD has requested the information to help develop reasonable wholesale market pricing for the Freestate Middle Mile project. KOBD made the request in an email, which is included below:
“If you have leased dark fiber or lit services in Kansas at the speeds listed in the Freestate Middle Mile pricing guidance (10G, 20G, 50G, 100G) within the past 12 months, we would appreciate it if you could share redacted information with Middle Mile Program Manager Russell Dunlap for use in benchmarking reasonable wholesale market pricing. Several of you have already provided this information, and we are grateful for your partnership. Your support helps us ensure that the Freestate Network is offered at competitive, open-access, and nondiscriminatory rates. Thank you for your continued collaboration as we update the Freestate Network Rate Sheet for 2025/2026.”
Kansas Office Of Broadband Development Publishes Public Comments On BEAD Program Final Proposal
September 4, 2025 – The Kansas Office Of Broadband Development (KOBD) has published the public comments it received in response to its Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Final Proposal. In late August 2025, KOBD announced its Final Proposal containing the preliminary selection of BEAD “Benefit of the Bargain Round” awardees. KOBD selected a total of 16 awardees to receive a total of $252,942,107 in BEAD grant funding. The awards are not final until the National Telecommunication Information and Administration (NTIA) approves KOBD’s Final Proposal. The public comment window was open until September 1, 2025. The Final Proposal has now been sent to NTIA for approval.
Golden Belt Makes Tariff Revisions, Will Stop Printing And Annually Distributing Telephone Directories
September 2, 2025 – Golden Belt Telephone Association, Inc. has filed revisions to its Local Exchange Tariff with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC or Commission). Golden Belt’s tariff revisions are being made “to implement its in-process cessation of printing and annually distributing a dated telephone directory in accordance with the Commission’s order in Docket No. 24- GIMT-380-MIS.” The KCC Docket Number for the proceeding is 26-GNBT-087-TAR.
In November 2023, a group of Kansas Rural Local Exchange Carriers (RLECs) filed a petition requesting that the Commission eliminate any requirement currently existing that mandates RLECs physically print and distribute a telephone directory to all subscribers on an annual basis. In place of the requirement, the Kansas RLECs requested that the Commission allow RLECs to provide directories in any format or manner an individual RLEC deems most cost-effective, including electronic or web-based, and provide a simple paper or PDF copy to subscribers upon request.
In August 2024, the Commission issued an order approving a joint proposal put forth by Commission telecom staff and the RLECs that replaced the KCC’s 1967 directive requiring all telephone companies operating in Kansas to issue a printed directory every year. Among other things, the joint proposal requires extensive notice to customers prior to eliminating the distribution of printed directories.
New Kansas Corporation Commission Telecom Dockets Opened In September 2025
26-GNBT-087-TAR – Application of Golden Belt Telephone Association, Inc., for Tariff Changes Related to the Cessation of Annual Distribution of a Dated Directory.
26-QLWZ-088-KSF – Staff’s Petition to Open a Docket to Write-Off the Balance on Q LINK WIRELESS, LLC’s Kansas Universal Service Fund (KUSF) Account.
August 2025
Kansas Office Of Broadband Development Announces BEAD Program Awards – 16 Subrecipients Selected To Receive $252.9 Million
August 25, 2025 – The Kansas Office Of Broadband Development (KOBD) has announced the preliminary selection of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program “Benefit of the Bargain Round” awardees. The awards are not final until the National Telecommunication Information and Administration (NTIA) approves KOBD’s Final Proposal. Below are the key details of the Kansas BEAD Program awards:
KOBD selected a total of 16 awardees to receive a total of $252,942,107 in BEAD grant funding.
KOBD selected the 16 awardees out of 23 applicants.
KOBD awarded a total of $252,942,107 in BEAD funding – a total BEAD reduction in allocation of 41% (Kansas was allocated $451 million).
All of the 26,673 eligible broadband serviceable locations (BSLs) in Kansas received a competitive bid.
The average cost per BSL is estimated at $8,540.35.
The technology mix deployed for BSLs varied between fiber (46.17 %), hybrid/fixed wireless (50.83 %), and low earth orbiting satellites (3.00 %).
KOBD’s Draft Final Proposal is now open for public comment for the next seven days, until 12:00 pm CST on September 1, 2025. The Draft Final Proposal details KOBD’s competitive selection process, robust oversight and compliance measures. All comments may be subject to public disclosure. Upon completion of the public comment period, the Draft Final Proposal will be sent to NTIA for approval.
Zenda Revises Tariff To Account For No Longer Providing Printed Telephone Directories
August 18, 2025 – Zenda Telephone Company has filed revisions to its General Exchange Tariff with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). Zenda’s filing revises “tariff language related to no longer providing a printed telephone directory and also remov[es] services which are no longer provided.” Zenda states that the tariff changes have no effect on revenue, and that it notified customers of the printed directory change in 2024. The KCC Docket Number for the proceeding is 26-ZENT-052-TAR.
Sixth Circuit Upholds FCC Data Breach Rule
August 13, 2025 – The U.S. Court Of Appeals For The Sixth Circuit has issued an opinion denying multiple petitions for review challenging the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) new data breach rule. In short, the court found that the FCC has authority to extend its data breach reporting rules to customer personally identifiable information (PII), and the new rules do not violate the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
In a December 2023 Report And Order, the FCC expanded the scope of its data breach notification rules to cover customers’ PII; expanded the definition of “breach” to include inadvertent disclosures of customer information, except in those cases where such information is inadvertently accessed by an employee or agent, and such information is not used improperly or further disclosed; added a harm-based trigger stipulating that carriers need not notify customers of a breach if the carriers can reasonably determine that no harm is likely to occur; and eliminated mandatory waiting periods for carriers to notify customers of data breaches.
In early 2024, Ohio Telecom Association (24-3133); Texas Association Of Business (24-3206); CTIA–The Wireless Association, NCTA–The Internet & Television Association, and USTelecom–The Broadband Association (24-3252) sought judicial review of the FCC’s order, in the Fifth, Sixth, and D.C. Circuits, on the grounds that it “exceeds the FCC’s statutory authority; is arbitrary, capricious, and an abuse of discretion within the meaning of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 701 et seq.; and is otherwise contrary to law.” The petitions were consolidated in the U.S. Court of Appeals For The Sixth Circuit.
In its opinion, the Sixth Circuit found that based on the statutory text, context, and structure, that Section 201(b) of the Communications Act gives the FCC the authority to impose reporting requirements in the event of a data breach of customer PII.
The court also considered petitioners’ argument that the CRA prohibits the FCC’s new data breach rules. In 2016, after the FCC reclassified broadband service as a telecommunications service, the FCC adopted an order which was aimed at protecting the privacy of customers of broadband and other telecommunications services. The order contained new data breach rules and covered customer PII, but thereafter it was invalidated by Congress using the CRA. The court considered whether, under the CRA, the FCC’s 2023 Report And Order is a rule that is substantially the same as the 2016 Order that was invalidated, and thus may not be reissued. Ultimately, the Sixth Circuit concluded that the FCC’s issuance of the 2024 Order did not violate the CRA.
KCC Commences KUSF YR28 Audit Of Chicago Business VoIP, Inc.
August 12, 2025 – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has issued an order commencing an audit of Chicago Business VoIP, Inc. for Kansas universal service fund (KUSF) operating year 28 (fiscal year March 2024 – February 2025). Each year, the third-party KUSF administrator, currently Vantage Point Solutions, LLC (VPS), conducts audits of selected carriers’ revenue, KUSF collection, and KUSF assessment information to verify whether such KUS-contributing carriers are reporting revenue information in a consistent manner. Carriers are selected for a KUSF audit based on the following criteria:
Group One is comprised of one to three companies that each contribute an amount greater than five percent of the yearly KUSF receipts. Each Group One carrier will be audited at least once every four years. Group Two, from which the KUSF administrator will audit one to three companies each year, is comprised of companies with contributions to the KUSF representing the next 50% of yearly KUSF receipts after removing Group One. Group Three, with eight to thirteen companies to be audited each year, is comprised of the remaining companies contributing to the KUSF. Group Four is comprised of companies claiming no Kansas retail revenue, one of which will be randomly selected each KUSF audit year. The Commission intends to audit all companies at some point in time and it may adjust or supplement its selection criteria over time to ensure this result. Additional audits, supplementary to those identified above, may be performed if VPS or Commission Staff observes reporting abnormalities, significant discrepancies between KUSF-reported revenues and Commission or public reports or other inconsistencies.
Chicago Business VoIP, LLC falls into Group Four. In the order, the KCC directs Chicago Business VoIP to assemble and provide information requested by VPS. The KCC has directed VPS to complete the audit and file its audit report by June 30, 2026. The KCC Docket Number for the proceeding is 26-CBVV-044-KSF.
Haviland Telephone Company Files Application Requesting $1.387 Million In Annual KUSF Support
August 8, 2025 – Haviland Telephone Company, Inc. has filed an application with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) requesting the establishment of annual Kansas Universal Service Fund (KUSF) support. Haviland has requested a total of $1,387,380 annually from the KUSF. The KCC Docket Number for the proceeding is 26-HVDT-048-KSF.
Haviland is a rural company that operates under traditional rate of return regulation and serves as the carrier of last resort for telecommunications services within its designated service area in Kansas. Haviland is a wholly owned subsidiary of LICT Corporation, and is affiliated with two other LICT subsidiaries in Kansas, J.B.N. Telephone Company, Inc. and Giant Communications, Inc. With respect to federal universal service fund support, Haviland elected to receive Alternative Connect America Model (A-CAM) support in 2016, and elected Enhanced A-CAM support in 2023.
Haviland’s request for the establishment of KUSF support is based on its embedded costs, revenue requirement, investments, and expenses. The test year to be used in the evaluation of Haviland’s application is the year ending December 31, 2024. Haviland has provided the following brief explanation of its request for KUSF support:
Haviland has not received KUSF support since late 2010 when it entered into a stipulated settlement agreement in Docket No. 10-HVDT-288-KSF. Since 2020, the company has invested about $12.2M in fiber optic cable and equipment to homes and businesses in its regulated service area, comprised of twelve exchange in south central Kansas. This investment is almost exclusively in relatively dense subscriber areas. Although the company began receiving Alternative Connect America Cost Model support in 2017, these denser areas are not supported by ACAM. Consequently, the company is under-earning.
Charter Communications & Cox Communications File Joint Application Related To Merger Transaction
August 8, 2025 – Charter Communications, Inc. (Charter), Cox Communications, Inc. (Cox), and Cox Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) have filed a joint application with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) requested approval of two changes related to the companies’ merger transaction. In their filing with the KCC, Charter, Cox, and CEI have requested that the KCC approve the following two changes to the regulated operations of Cox’s Kansas subsidiaries arising from the companies’ proposed merger transaction that will result in the transfer of control of Cox and, indirectly, its subsidiaries from CEI to Charter: (1) reaffirm the Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) designation held by Cox Kansas Telcom, L.L.C. d/b/a Cox Communications (Cox Telcom) following the change in ultimate control and ownership of Cox Telcom from CEI to Charter; and (2) approve the indirect transfer of control of the certificate of Video Services Authorization (VSA) held by Cox Communications Kansas, L.L.C. (Cox Kansas and collectively with Cox Telcom, Cox Licensees) from CEI to Charter. The KCC Docket Number for the proceeding is 26-COXT-047-MIS.
In May 2025, Charter, Charter’s subsidiary Charter Communications Holdings, LLC (Charter Holdings), and CEI announced that they entered into an agreement to merge Charter and CEI’s subsidiary Cox under common ownership. Pursuant to that agreement, Cox and its subsidiaries will become subsidiaries of Charter, and CEI, which owns Cox today, will receive a combination of cash and equity in Charter Holdings exchangeable for Charter stock. As a result, Charter will become the indirect owner of the Cox Licensees, and CEI will become Charter’s largest minority investor. Within a year after the deal closes, the combined company will change its name to Cox Communications, and Spectrum will become the consumer-facing brand within the communities Cox serves. The combined entity will assume Cox’s approximately $12 billion in outstanding debt.
Currently, Charter with its operating subsidiaries, is one of the largest U.S. broadband providers, serving customers across 41 states, including Kansas, through its Spectrum brand. In the joint application, Charter states that it “currently serves approximately 100,000 customers across 25 communities in Kansas, with nearly 900 employees located at its largest employment centers in Overland Park, Lenexa, and Kansas City.” The following Charter subsidiaries offer services in Kansas under KCC-issued certificates of authority:
Time Warner Cable Information Services (Kansas), LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Charter, is authorized by the KCC to operate as a competitive local exchange carrier pursuant a February 2004 order in Docket No. 04-TWRT-224-COC, and an interexchange carrier pursuant to a February 2004 order in Docket No. 04-TWRT-225-COC.
Time Warner Cable Business, LLC is authorized by the KCC to provide competitive interexchange access services pursuant to a June 2013 order in Docket No. 13-TWBC-603-COC.
Charter’s cable affiliate Spectrum Mid-America, LLC provides broadband services and cable services in Kansas pursuant to a KCC-issued VSA granted in Docket No. 13-TWMC-206-VSA.
Cox is the largest private broadband company in the U.S., serving roughly 6.3 million homes and businesses across 18 states with various voice, broadband, wireless, and enterprise services. In Kansas, Cox Telcom is authorized to provide local exchange service and interexchange service pursuant to authority granted in Docket Nos. 00-COXT-928-COC and 00-COXC-197-COC. Cox Telcom is designated as an ETC in Kansas in Docket No. 21-COXT-245-ETC. Cox Kansas is an operating entity of Cox and is authorized to provide video service pursuant to video service authorization granted in Docket No. 07-CXKC-621-VSA. Additionally, Cox’s subsidiary Unite Private Networks, LLC d/b/a Segra was granted a Certificate of Convenience and Authority to provide switched local exchange telecommunications services in Kansas by the KCC in Docket No. 03-EOMT-313-COC.
ESPN Announces Direct-To-Consumer Streaming Service Launches August 21st; Bundle With FOX One Launching October 2nd
August 6, 2025 – ESPN has announced that its direct-to-consumer streaming service will launch on Thursday August 21, 2025. The new streaming service will provide all of ESPN’s network programming and services, and will be accessible from an enhanced ESPN App containing personalized features and functionality. ESPN is offering two subscription plans for subscribers: the unlimited plan for $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year, and the select plan for $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year. The unlimited plan provides access to all of ESPN’s linear networks and content, while the select plan provides access to all ESPN+ content. Additionally, ESPN has announced an agreement with FOX One, Fox Corporation’s wholly-owned direct to consumer streaming service, that will allow consumers to subscribe to a bundle of the two services starting October 2 for $39.99 per month.
Kansas Awards $10.4 Million In ADOPT Program Grant Funding To 18 Organizations
August 4, 2025 – Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has announced that $10.4 million has been awarded through the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans (ADOPT) program. The Kansas Office of Broadband Development awarded the $10.4 million in ADOPT grant funding to 18 organizations across the state for public Wi-Fi projects and equipment distribution programs in underserved areas. The Governor’s announcement includes the following summaries of a few of the ADOPT grants:
City of Pratt received $21,737 to provide free public Wi-Fi at Pratt’s two largest and most utilized parks: Green Sports Complex and Lemon Park. It will facilitate the installation of security cameras, enabling the city to support visitors and maintain safe public spaces.
Emporia Public Library received $48,989 to install five solar-powered Wi-Fi benches in key community locations and expand free public internet access. Benches will be located near spaces supporting mental health services, the recreation center, and a food pantry.
Independence Community College Library received $300,000 to create a computer loaner program for high school and college students, focusing on supporting economically disadvantaged rural students.
Prairie Band Pottawatomi Nation received $496,340 to bring Wi-Fi access to the Prairie People’s Park. The park is located within the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Common Lands, a highly rural area in Jackson County, and serves as a community hub for events.
Russell County USD 407 received $719,565 to provide middle- and high-school students with computers to support academic achievement and improve digital literacy.
SnapIT Solutions received $751,2237 to provide workforce ready laptops and digital literacy training. Through their seven strategic locations in economically distressed areas, technology resource centers will be established to distribute devices, deliver digital skills training, and offer technical support throughout the state.
Southwest Area Agency on Aging received $329,118 to equip seniors across 28 rural counties with technology and digital skills, ensuring they stay connected, independent and empowered in today’s digital world.
Congressional USF Working Group Seeking Public Comment On Future Of Universal Service Fund
August 1, 2025 – The Congressional Universal Service Fund (USF) Working Group has invited public input on the future of the USF. The comment portal is open and will close at 11:59 pm eastern on Monday, September 15, 2025. Among other things, the USF Working Group is seeking public input on the current state of the USF, proposals for modernizing the USF, proposals for ensuring reliable support of voice and broadband services into the future, and the impact of the Supreme Court’s decision in Federal Communications Commission v. Consumers’ Research.
The bipartisan, bicameral USF Working Group was reorganized in June. Senate members include Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Jackie Rosen (D-NV). House members include Representatives Richard Hudson (R-NC9) Chair of the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee, and Doris Matsui (D-CA7), Ranking Member of the House Communications and Technology Subcommittee.
All submitted comments will be sent to all Senate and House Member offices of the USF Working Group. Comments that include visual aids, such as charts, tables, or graphics may be sent via email to USFWorkingGroup@fischer.senate.gov.
Brightspeed Companies of Kansas File Revisions To General Exchange Service Tariff (Addition Of List Of Extended Calling Areas In Kansas City Metropolitan Area)
August 1, 2025 – Brightspeed Companies of Kansas have filed revisions to their General Exchange Service Tariff with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). Brightspeed, a price-cap regulated carrier, is filing its tariff revisions pursuant to K.S.A. 2005(q)(1)(F), which declares the services contained in the tariff filing as price deregulated. The KCC Docket Number for the proceeding is 26-UTDT-046-TAR. Brightspeed summarizes its tariff revisions as follows:
This filing adds a list of the Extended Calling Areas in Kansas City Metropolitan Area for Metro Calling customers subscribed to Brightspeed Voice or Brightspeed Business Voice. This is the same calling scope outlined under MetroPlus located in the Brightspeed Companies of Kansas Local Exchange Tariff.
New Kansas Corporation Commission Telecom Dockets Opened In August 2025
26-UTDT-046-TAR – Application of Brightspeed Companies of Kansas General Exchange Service Tariff.
26-COXT-047-MIS – Joint Application of Charter Communications, Inc; Cox Communications, Inc.; and Cox Enterprises, Inc. for Reaffirmation of Cox Kansas Telcom, LLC as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier and for Transfer of Indirect Control or Amendment of Video Services Authorization.
26-HVDT-048-KSF – Application and Request of Haviland Telephone Company, Inc. to Establish its Cost-Based Kansas Universal Service Fund Support.
26-CBVV-044-KSF – Audit of CHICAGO BUSINESS VoIP, INC. by the Kansas Universal Service Fund (KUSF) Administrator Pursuant to K.S.A. 66-2010(b) for KUSF Operating Year 28, Fiscal Year March 2024-February 2025.
26-ZENT-052-TAR – Zenda Telephone Company Filing Tariff Revisions Removing Services Which are no Longer Provided and to Language no Longer Providing a Printed Telephone Directory.
ETC Tracker: 4 ETC Applications Currently Pending Before The Kansas Corporation Commission
August 1, 2025 – There are currently four eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) applications pending before the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC). Two applicants are requesting designation as Lifeline-only ETCs, and two applicants are seeking relinquishment of ETC designations. The KCC dockets for the ETC applications, along with the initial filing dates are listed below:
25-GOMT-124-ETC – Application of Go MD USA LLC For a Limited Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier for the Purpose of Offering and Operating a Lifeline Service for Low Income Consumers (Lifeline-Only ETC application filed August 9, 2024) (Revised Application filed June 20, 2025).
25-AVWZ-250-ETC – Application of Air Voice Wireless, LLC for Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 for Lifeline Purposes Only (Lifeline-Only ETC application filed December 23, 2024).
25-SWBT-364-MIS – Petition of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, LLC d/b/a AT&T Kansas for an Order Confirming Relinquishment of Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Designation in Specified Areas (application filed March 27, 2025).
25-SKYT-561-ETC – Skybeam, LLC Application for an Order Confirming Relinquishment of its Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Designation (application filed June 25, 2025).