Congressman James Comer hosted a roundtable discussion Thursday morning to discuss broadband internet access across the 1st Congressional District in the Commonwealth and ways they are working to fix the issue.
Comer says it’s very important to get internet to everyone that needs it.
Although it’s not a permanent fix, Kentucky Farm Bureau President Mark Haney announced a way to offer a Wi-Fi signal to the public.
Haney adds the Wi-Fi will be available for everyone in the community, not just Kentucky Farm Bureau members. Additionally, most virtual learning platforms have the option to allow students to download and upload work via Wi-Fi, so a signal isn’t needed 24/7. The internet can be utilized by anyone who may need it and not just school students.
Kentucky Farm Bureau has at least one office in every county across the Commonwealth, with Haney adding every office will have the secure Wi-Fi signal.
In other discussions during the roundtable, internet providers discussed ways they are expanding their services to those in rural areas. Hollie Spade, with AT&T, says they are continuing to expand their fixed wireless service.
Spade adds they are aware there is more to do to fix the state’s internet issues.
USDA Rural Development state director Hilda Legg touched on the programs they are able to offer companies that are interested in expanded internet services to those they deem “the last mile”.
The roundtable also consisted of updates from Murray State University on how they are solving their student’s internet needs with virtual learning and Kentucky Electric Cooperatives on how they are changing their mission to be able to provide internet services, in addition, to offering electricity.
