KMTelecom awarded grant to expand broadband

KMTelecom has been awarded a $15,564 grant for a broadband expansion project in southeastern Minnesota.
On Oct. 9, 2024, Governor Tim Walz announced the latest recipients of the Border-to-Border Broadband Development Grant Program. A total of $25 million was awarded to fund 18 broadband infrastructure projects across Minnesota, providing reliable and affordable high-speed internet to approximately 5,597 residents and businesses.
The grant awarded to KMTelecom will bring 13 miles of fiber-optic cable, capable of synchronous broadband speeds of up to 1GB, to approximately 83 homes and businesses in Genoa, Douglas, and surrounding rural areas. KMTelecom will match the grant with an additional $515,564 investment to complete the project.
Construction will be completed by Dec. 31, 2026.
“Investing in broadband infrastructure benefits businesses and communities across the state,” said Walz. “By connecting thousands of Minnesotans to businesses, education, and health care through broadband, we’re making Minnesota the best place to work, live, and do business.”
KMTelecom officials said “We are grateful to DEED, OBD, and the residents and businesses in the project area for their support in securing this grant. We look forward to improving broadband access and creating new opportunities for our rural communities.”