Summary:

KentuckyWired is a state-run project constructing over 3,000 miles of high-speed, high-capacity fiber optic cable in every county in Kentucky. The KentuckyWired network is a "middle mile" project connecting government offices, universities, community colleges, state police posts, state parks, and other government institutions to the global internet. Anywhere along its path, Internet Service Providers will be able to connect to the network and bring faster, more reliable internet to every corner of the Commonwealth. Cellular providers will also be able to connect to KentuckyWired and build more cell phone towers throughout the state.

The network will be open access, so ISPs can connect to it and handle the job of providing "last mile" service to communities, businesses and citizens. KentuckyWired will help pay for its construction in two ways: 1) KentuckyWired will save the Commonwealth millions of dollars by owning its own middle mile network rather than paying private companies, and 2) By leasing half of its fiber strands to private companies.

Eligible Recipients:

Anchor Institution; Local Government; State Government; Internet Service Provider; Higher Education Institution

Eligible Recipients Detail:

The KentuckyWired network is a "middle mile" project connecting government offices, universities, community colleges, state police posts, state parks, and other government institutions to the global internet. Internet Service Providers are able to enter public private partnerships with KentuckWired to build last mile broadband infrastructure.

Eligible Purpose:

Middle Mile Infrastructure; Backbone Infrastructure; Anchor Institution Infrastructure

Eligible Purpose Detail:

KentuckyWired is an open access network. This means local public or private Internet service providers (ISPs) can connect to the network and extend services locally. Partnering ISPs can connect to the middle mile network to extend broadband to homes and businesses.