Sho-Me MO FAQs
What is the source of the grant?
Who are the anchor institutions?
What types of jobs will be created?
Will I get broadband where I live?
Will businesses be able to get access to this network?
Will Sho-Me Tech issue RFPs for equipment and contractors?
Why was Sho-Me Technologies chosen to receive this grant?
What does the grant provide?
Sho-Me Technologies was awarded $26.6 million to deploy a fiber-based, middle-mile network in a 30-county region in Missouri. This will expand broadband capabilities and foster SmartGrid applications in partnership with electric co-ops for more efficient and secure energy use in the region. Sho- Me Technologies will construct 500 miles of new fiber and incorporate 880 miles of existing fiber as part of this network. The project will connect approximately 100 community anchor institutions, including schools, libraries, government facilities, healthcare providers and higher learning institutions.
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What is the source of the grant?
The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded the grant to Sho-Me Technologies as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
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Who are the anchor institutions?
The NTIA has described Community Anchor Institutions (CAI) as consisting of schools, libraries, medical and healthcare providers, public safety entities, community colleges, and other institutions of higher education and other community support organizations and entities. Sho-Me Tech has identified and contacted over 100 potential CAIs along the proposed route of the new network. Once the list of CAIs has been finalized, we will post it here on the website.
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How will this create jobs?
Sho-Me Technologies will hire four full time employees and also contract with several companies to build the 500 miles of fiber optic cable necessary for the new network.
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What types of jobs will be created?
The direct jobs that will be created will be construction and clerical related. The construction phase will result in 102 direct job years, or 34 full time positions. There are also 101 indirect job years estimated from the manufacturing of the equipment and hardware necessary for the project.
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Will I get broadband where I live?
That’s a great question! Sho-Me Technologies is building a middle-mile network to enable Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to extend and enhance Internet Broadband at an affordable price. Sho-Me Technologies won’t be offering Internet directly to the end users in the areas of the new network, but providing a low price to the ISPs. Sho-Me Technologies is also aiding in the process of connecting people needing Internet with ISPs in their area.
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Will businesses be able to get access to this network?
Yes! During the construction of the new network, 31 new Points of Presence (POPs) will be constructed allowing connections to the high speed fiber backbone. This network will also connect to Sho-Me Technologies’ existing network and several other telecommunications providers through interconnections at St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, Jefferson City and Springfield.
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Will Sho-Me Tech issue RFPs for equipment and contractors?
Yes. RFPs will be announced and available for download on the Sho-Me Tech website.
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Why was Sho-Me Technologies chosen to receive this grant?
The mission of the NTIA grant process is to connect rural communities. This aligns perfectly with Sho-Me Technologies mission to expand broadband access to rural South-Central Missouri.
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