(COLUMBIA, MO) – Socket is a recipient of additional funding to expand high-speed internet access through the state’s Emergency Broadband Investment Program, announced today by the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Socket has $365,735 available in assistance to connect 157 homes through the program. Today’s announcement highlights the second round of recipients.

In July, six programs were created to rapidly expand broadband across the state through libraries, telehealth, education, and more. The Emergency Broadband Investment Program previously awarded just over $3 million to sixteen projects in round one.

In the latest round Socket received a grant to provide high-speed internet access to five locations, including East Ashland, Log Providence Road, North New Franklin, South Moberly, and St. Martins.

“Broadband is critical to the evolving needs of our workforce,” Governor Parson said. “With so many Missourians now depending on the internet for health care, education, and work, this initiative is more important than ever.”

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.

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.