Gov. Kelly Awards GBT Nearly $300,000 to Expand Broadband in Rural Stafford County

GBT Communications, Inc. has been awarded $279,445 through the sixth round of Kansas’ Broadband Acceleration Grant program to expand high-speed internet access to 36 homes and businesses in Stafford County. The project will serve northeast Stafford County, including Seward.

Governor Laura Kelly announced the statewide grant recipients on October 22, 2026. For GBT, the award marks another opportunity to invest in local connectivity and help more rural neighbors access the connections they need.

Expanding Internet Access in Northeast Stafford County

For rural households and businesses, a dependable internet connection supports everyday activities, from staying in touch with family to managing a business and accessing online services.

GBT’s planned expansion will bring high-speed internet access to additional locations in northeast Stafford County, including Seward. The project builds on GBT’s commitment to investing in the communities we serve and connecting more people across rural Kansas.

What Is the Broadband Acceleration Grant Program?

Kansas’ Broadband Acceleration Grant program helps extend broadband infrastructure into areas where distance and low population density can make expansion difficult without public investment.

The program is administered by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development within the Kansas Department of Commerce. GBT’s award is part of the program’s sixth funding round, also known as BAG 6.

A Community Effort

This award reflects the support and teamwork behind GBT’s continued growth.

We thank our customers and community members for their continued trust in GBT. We also recognize our employees, our Blue Crew, for the hard work that made this award possible, and our Board of Directors for their guidance and commitment to the future of our cooperative.

Thank you to the State of Kansas for investing in rural broadband and helping make this expansion possible.

Project Details and Timeline

GBT will release more information about the northeast Stafford County broadband expansion and project timelines in the near future.

Residents and businesses interested in the project can watch GBT’s website and Facebook page for future announcements.

Together, we make Every Connection Count!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much broadband grant funding did GBT receive?

GBT Communications, Inc. received $279,445 through the sixth round of Kansas’ Broadband Acceleration Grant program.

Where will the GBT broadband expansion take place?

The project will serve 36 homes and businesses in northeast Stafford County, Kansas, including Seward. Address-specific coverage details will be shared in future project updates.

When will construction begin and service become available?

GBT will share project timelines and additional details in a future announcement.

Read the full announcement from the Kansas Department of Commerce.