LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Accelecom is helping connect local businesses to the secure, high-speed network created by the KentuckyWired project, the state’s high-speed fiber optic cable network designed to increase internet access in Kentucky’s underserved areas.
KentuckyWired is a project constructing over 3,000 miles of high-speed, high-capacity fiber optic cable in every county in Kentucky. The KentuckyWired network is a “middle mile” project connecting government offices, universities, community colleges, state police posts, state parks and other government institutions to the internet. Anywhere along its path, internet service providers will be able to connect to the network and bring faster, more reliable internet service, KentuckyWired says.
Cellular providers will also be able to connect to KentuckyWired and build more cell phone towers throughout the state.
Accelecom is the exclusive enterprise wholesaler of the KentuckyWired Network. Since it launched, it has partnered with enterprise businesses like Carhartt and Rajant, and created strong relationships with The Center for Rural Development (CRD), Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), and the Kentucky Primary Care Association (KPCA).
In collaboration with The Center for Rural Development, rural Kentucky health departments like St. Claire Healthcare, Lake Cumberland District Health Department and Pike County Health Department are now live on the network. Having access to a high-speed, secure network is crucial to not just the digital health of these organizations, but also to improve the physical health of patients as providers can now interact with Telehealth services.
“In 2030 or 2040, this technology will still be servicing the new technology that comes along,” said Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center for Rural Development.
OpenFiber Kentucky, operating under the Accelecom brand, was born from the KentuckyWired project.
This service is part of Accelecom’s plan to connect rural Kentucky to larger hubs and to bring cloud applications to the edge of Kentucky, aiming to continue to close the commonwealth’s digital divide, Accelecom said in a press release. Kentucky is officially the first state to establish broadband capabilities in all its areas, rural and urban alike.
Along with profit-sharing back into the commonwealth, Accelecom has invested $50 million to launch the business and get companies connected to the network, the company said. It has hired more than 40 employees at competitive salaries. Accelecom plans to invest another $100 million over the next 12 months to further its network and company.
As more businesses go live on the network and it expands further into communities, local and national ISPs can be last-mile connectors offering high-speed internet services to residents.
“Accelecom is just ramping up with sales and revenue to contribute back into the commonwealth,” said David Flessas, CEO of Accelecom. “Based on recent successes with new clients live on the network, we do anticipate being highly successful in these coming years.”
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