Public Meeting To Address County's Future High Speed Internet Issues

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
Judge Executive Wil Cannon's office has coordinated a public meeting to address concerns about the future of Brownsville and Edmonson County's high speed internet access.

According to a statement from Judge Cannon's office, the discussion will focus on the KentuckyWired Project-Broadband.  "We encourage residents to attend to discuss this project," it said.
 
"In 2017, Kentucky ranked 47th in the country in broadband speeds and capacity.  This puts Kentucky at a major disadvantage for attracting and growing new job and education opportunities for an improved way of life.  Broadband, like electricity, water and sewer, is now an essential utility service."
 
In addition, the statement also said that KentuckyWired will be a physical system of fiber optic cable, also referred to as the middle mile or backbone, infrastructure that will allow broadband service to be brought closer to communities throughout Kentucky. What’s unique about KentuckyWired is that it will be an open access network.  This means local public or private Internet service providers can connect to the network and extend services locally.
 
"There will be opportunities for local internet service providers to invest and build out more fiber to homes and businesses.  It also opens the market for new internet service providers, which will promote competition for potential lower broadband costs for businesses, communities and citizens."
 
The Kentucky Communications Network Authority and its Board will manage and oversee the KentuckyWired network, the Commonwealth’s open-access broadband network. 

​"KentuckyWired is focused on meeting current needs for government locations, but more importantly, positioning Kentucky to be a national leader in high-capacity Internet service connections which promote economic development, enhance education and research capabilities, ensure public safety, improve healthcare delivery, and augment connectivity for libraries and communities."
 
The latest information is found on the project website, KentuckyWired.ky.gov