Kentucky is set to receive more than $1 billion to improve the state’s high-speed internet access, according to an announcement from the governor’s office.
Kentucky’s allocation comes from the $42.5 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Department program, created as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021.
“Thanks to the support from the federal government, we are going to help connect every family, community, and business to high-speed internet,” Beshear said in a statement. “Never before have we seen this type of investment in high-speed internet, and with it comes new infrastructure, more good jobs for our families, and a boost to our already booming economy.”
The program is a part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. It will fund further expansion of high-speed internet in Kentucky, focusing on areas that lack internet speeds of more than 25/3Mbps.
In Kentucky, this includes more than 258,000 unserved locations, according to the Federal Communications Commission. The Office of Broadband Development is in charge of developing a grant process in order to get money to these areas by early 2024.
The funding for Kentucky will be allocated through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, according to Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell.
“In today’s digital age, it’s essential that Kentucky’s communities, from rural towns to urban centers, have access to reliable and affordable high-speed Internet,” McConnell said. “Today’s federal funding will deploy internet infrastructure to communities across the Commonwealth that need it most, bringing new opportunity to millions of Kentuckians.”
President Joe Biden announced early Monday that his administration would give $40 billion in broadband investments to help Americans experiencing a lack of internet service.
With the funds, states are tasked with developing plans for high-speed internet, and the White House expects it to take around two years to distribute roughly 80% of the funds.
Most states will receive over $107 million, but 19 will receive more than $1 billion.