Some telecoms, anti-government groups oppose new state broadband network in Kentucky

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A year after state officials created a nationally recognized public-private partnership to build America’s best statewide broadband network, opponents are trying to kill it.

Some telecom and cable companies that now provide Internet service around the state, along with several right-wing advocacy groups, are pushing legislators and Gov. Matt Bevin (R) to rethink the project, called KentuckyWired. KentuckyWired was created as part of the Shaping Our Appalachian Region initiative organized by former Gov. Steve Beshear (D) and US Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY), Chairman of the House Appropriations committee. The high-speed, fiber-optic network is to be managed and ultimately paid for by private industry. But it will be owned by the public and offer open access to any Internet service provider. KentuckyWired officials say this network and its innovative structure could be a boon for economic development, giving businesses and homes better service, more choice and more competitive prices.

But AT&T has filed a protest over the state’s process for awarding school Internet service contracts, many of which it now has. The Kentucky Telecom Association, which represents 15 rural Internet providers, thinks KentuckyWired should be reconsidered, claiming it would duplicate existing infrastructure and undermine existing businesses that need their state and school service contracts. The telecoms are getting backup from libertarian advocacy groups that object on principle to government-owned broadband networks.


Some telecoms, anti-government groups oppose new state broadband network in Kentucky