The Bluegrass state is well-known for its charming small towns that offer hospitality and beautiful landscapes. However, those familiar with rural living also know that it comes with a variety of challenges. Communities that do not have access to basic infrastructure cannot thrive and may even struggle to survive. Reliable, affordable, high-speed, high-capacity internet access has now become an essential service for individuals and businesses alike. High-speed internet is now as important as electricity, water and sewer.  

Kentucky has historically been near the bottom of national and international rankings for broadband speed and capacity. As a result, our commonwealth has been at a disadvantage for attracting business, creating jobs and increasing educational attainment.

Kentuckians are now looking forward to the completion of the statewide fiber broadband network that will change these circumstances. The KentuckyWired project will bring more than 3,000 miles of high-speed, high-capacity fiber infrastructure, often referred to as the "middle mile" to all 120 Kentucky counties. Access will be provided for state agencies, as well as network capacity for local providers, who can extend last mile infrastructure to local homes and businesses.

As construction of KentuckyWired's middle mile is underway, the city of London is preparing to take full advantage of the coming resource. London is home to several state agencies and will already have a number of connection points. London also has bigger plans to maximize benefits for their town.

Steve Baker, Superintendent of the London Utility Commission, is the champion for a last mile fiber broadband project in the area. When he first heard about KentuckyWired, it piqued his curiosity and he began taking action. Baker helped to start a community broadband strategic planning process. Over 30 community representatives, from a variety of backgrounds, came together to brainstorm about how access to high-speed, high-capacity broadband could change their world.