Dodge City and Ford County are among four pilot communities that will identify long-term structural and service needs for broadband internet service.

Kansas Statewide Broadband Initiative Director Stanley Adams said the other three pilot communities are Topeka, Fort Scott, Norton and their counties.

The program is funded through a federal grant. It provides access to tools, expertise and resources for communities to identify their own broadband needs. The program involves work already begun in the city to identify connectivity needs, stakeholders and how to expand access.

Each of the pilot programs seeks to address not just urban needs but rural needs as well.

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Associated Press information from: The Dodge City Globe