LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A couple dozen members from government agencies, employees representing internet service providers, nonprofits and for-profit organizations and residents attended the fifth stop of the Better Internet Initiative Listening Tour. 

In 2021, Gov. Andy Beshear signed into law the Kentucky Broadband Deployment Fund. This includes $300 million to improve the connectivity of unserved and underserved Kentucky communities. 

“We need to understand what devices you need, whether they’re smart phones, laptops, iPads, talk about affordability of internet access as well as these devices,” Beth Brinley, deputy secretary of the Education Cabinet, said. 

Brinley noted 85% of the workforce uses two or more internet devices. And those with no digital skills make on average of $15 an hour, while employees with nine or more digital skills can make at least $49 an hour. “So that means our workforce has to be equipped,” Brinley said. 

Another portion of the bipartisan law will earmark at least $600 million to expand high-speed internet in the state while creating more than 10,000 jobs. 

The attendees in Louisville learned and discussed what high-speed internet is and why it’s important that all Kentuckians have access to it. 

“How are people using it, and how do we resource the entire state? How do we resource in such a way that it becomes fair, equitable for all?” Wes Kerr, director of community solutions at Connected Nation, asked. 

The tour aims to allow community discussions guide decisions regarding high-internet speed. 

State leaders hope these investments will put the commonwealth at the forefront of high-speed internet expansion.