Emporia State Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for Freestate Middle Mile Network

Emporia, Kan. — Emporia State University was the proud host of a ceremonial groundbreaking Wednesday, June 18, 2026 for the Freestate Middle Mile Network, a transformative broadband project set to bring high-speed internet access to underserved communities across Kansas.

Held at the historic Cremer Hall on the university’s campus, the event celebrated the launch of a 600-mile-long broadband network designed to bridge the digital divide, enhance public safety, and unlock economic opportunities in rural areas. The project is funded by a $43 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and supported in part by the Kansas Research and Education Network (KanREN), which led the research and application efforts that secured the grant.

Doug Polston, Emporia State’s Associate Vice President and Chief Information Officer, welcomed attendees, highlighting the university’s deep involvement in education around cybersecurity and fraud prevention—critical areas as internet access expands. “This was a fitting partnership,” said Polston. “As connectivity grows, so does the need for education and protection, and Emporia State is proud to help lead that charge.”

KanREN Executive Director Chris Crook addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the Freestate Middle Mile Network is not only a milestone but also a springboard for future innovation. “This is just the beginning,” Crook said. “What we’re building here has the potential to reshape connectivity across the entire state.”

The initiative represents a strong collaboration between KanREN and several key state and regional organizations, including the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD), the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), and broadband provider IdeaTek. All were represented at the ceremony.

Bill Abston, Director of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development, called the network a “tremendous milestone for Kansas” and described it as a “Northstar” that demonstrates “the endless possibilities of partnerships, critical infrastructure, opportunities, and momentum.”

IdeaTek’s General Counsel and Director of Broadband Advocacy, Ethan Kaplan, echoed that sentiment, calling the project a “pivotal step” for Kansans. “Reliable, high-speed internet should not be a luxury—it’s a necessity,” Kaplan said. “This network brings us closer to that reality for every resident, no matter where they live.”

Kansas Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed credited Governor Laura Kelly’s “whole-of-government” approach for making the project possible, reinforcing the value of interagency collaboration in large-scale infrastructure development.

Also in attendance were local lawmakers, including Senator Mike Argabright (17th District, Olpe), who called the network a “victory for all Kansans,” and Representative Mark Schreiber (60th District, Emporia), who has long championed broadband expansion during his legislative tenure. “Connectivity is foundational to a brighter future,” Schreiber remarked. “This network moves us closer to that future.”

As shovels hit the ground, attendees were reminded that this project isn’t just about laying fiber—it’s about laying the foundation for opportunity, inclusion, and innovation across Kansas.

Read the Emporia Radio KVOE’s article at https://kvoe.com/2025/06/18/emporia-state-university-hosts-ceremonial-groundbreaking-for-freestate-middle-mile-network-wednesday/.