LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 27, 2015) — Lexington will host a broadband conference from Sept. 15-18. Gov. Beshear has been pushing for statewide broadband access, especially in rural areas in Eastern Kentucky where many residents lack high-speed Internet.
Beshear recently announced he had signed an executive order creating the Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) and its governing board to manage the KentuckyWired open-access broadband network.
The project will create high-speed Internet connectivity to every corner of the commonwealth to enhance economic development and workforce and educational opportunities, while sustaining Kentucky’s economy for generations to come.
“This conference will have a special emphasis on how communities can leverage advanced broadband for economic growth and other benefits, and provide information and best practices on financing next generation Internet access,” Lexington May Jim Gray said. “This conference comes at a critical time. Kentucky is developing a broadband network that will reach out to cities and rural areas across the state. And Lexington’s focus is on becoming a gigabit city to spur economic growth.”
Sponsored by Broadband Communities Magazine, there will be presentations from national experts in the field, providers and economic development leaders. In addition there will be a presentation by the people managing the Kentucky “Middle Mile” broadband project, with opportunities to ask questions and share ideas and concerns with colleagues across the state.
Next Century Cities, a city-to-city collaborative of more than 100 mayors working to ensure access to reliable, quality, and affordable internet, will also be hosting a half-day session on financing models and options for communities building out this critical 21st Century infrastructure.
Broadband Communities Magazine has held similar conferences around the country with the goal of helping communities take control of their broadband futures. The conference will be held at the Lexington Hilton.
SEE MORE:
Groundbreaking announced for KentuckyWired
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