UM System's $1.7 Billion Broadband Plan Lacks Details | The Locally Times
Despite a $1.7 billion award for universal internet, the UM System has not released key implementation timelines or funding allocations, even as it announces new leadership and academic honors.
A staggering $1.7 billion was awarded to the University of Missouri System in August 2023, earmarked for universal broadband across the state – yet details on how this massive investment will reach Missouri residents remain largely undisclosed. While the initiative promises to expand internet connectivity and potentially enhance opportunities in education, healthcare, and economic development, the university's public records do not specify a detailed implementation timeline or how the funds will be allocated to specific communities. This significant award comes amidst other UM System developments, including recent leadership appointments and academic recognitions. ## Broadband Initiative: Billions Without Blueprints The $1.7 billion award, announced by the University of Missouri System in August 2023, is intended to make universal broadband a reality across Missouri, aiming to address digital disparities. However, public records from the university do not provide further details on the project's phases, the specific regions targeted for infrastructure development, or an expected completion date. Crucially, the records also do not outline the mechanisms for how this substantial funding will translate into direct service for residents, leaving key questions about its practical implementation unanswered. ## System Leadership Appointments Made The UM System has also seen recent shifts in its administrative structure. Slayton was appointed board secretary in November 2024, while Denker took on the role of chief marketing and communications officer in July 2023. University announcements regarding these key leadership positions do not, however, include information on their specific responsibilities or strategic directives. University news releases from September 2024 reported a rise in rankings for UM System universities, though the specific nature of these improvements or the particular rankings referenced remain undisclosed. In June 2024, the Board of Curators announced the second class of Remington R. Williams Award recipients, honoring student leaders. Additionally, the Board of Curators named new Curators’ Distinguished Professors in September 2024, recognizing faculty excellence. The names of these awardees or their specific areas of distinction were not included in the general announcements. ## Other University System Developments Further developments within the UM System include the Board of Curators' approval of tuition rates for the 2024-25 academic year in May 2024. The system also provided an August 2023 update on a MOVEit data breach involving outside university vendors. Financial records from January 2024 confirm the UM System maintains strong ratings from top credit-rating agencies. In March 2024, the Board of Curators honored former Sen. Roy Blunt by naming the Soil Testing and Research Laboratory after him. Separately, the UM System invested in an venture capital fund and supported student entrepreneurs in May 2023.