Over $2 billion dollars will be distributed by the Federal Communications Commission nationwide to shore up broadband networks in schools and libraries throughout Kentucky.
Amanda Ellis is associate commissioner for the state’s Office of Next Generation Learners and a former school principal. She says expanded broadband access will address complaints over sluggish Internet speeds in schools across the Commonwealth.
“The biggest complaints that we have is ‘we can’t pull things up; we have the equipment and it runs too slow; our kids can’t get online to talk to people about college and career readiness and making connections.’ So this is an equity piece that goes across the board for everyone,” said Ellis.
An FCC official says Kentucky could receive $22 million from the proposal, which would impact many Kentucky schools and about 200 libraries.
