Q: Why is KentuckyWired called a "middle mile" network?
A: Think of it as an interstate highway system, or middle mile, that will connect the worldwide internet to "exit ramps" closer to a community. ISPs can then connect their equipment and fiber system to the KentuckyWired network to create a high-speed link between the global internet and local communities. ISPs will extend fiber to a home or business.
Q: What is "dark fiber"? What is "lit" fiber?
A: The fiber cable is a bundle of tiny glass strands and is a conduit for transmitting data. The hardware (or equipment) on either end of a section of cable transmits information over the fiber optic cable. The hardware, like a light switch, controls the beam of light on which information travels. If no equipment is lit on the ends, then the fiber is not in use and is called "dark fiber." Actively engaged hardware means fiber is "lit." Lit fiber is capable of sending very high volumes of data, voice, and images over the network at extremely high speeds.
Q: Is the Commonwealth an Internet business within KentuckyWired?
A: No, the project involves installing fiber-optic cable for the middle mile. ISPs will connect the KentuckyWired middle mile network to business and residential users over the "last mile" in every community.
Q: Why do we need the KentuckyWired network?
A: In 2017, Kentucky ranked 47th in the country in broadband speeds and capacity. This placed Kentucky at a major disadvantage for attracting and growing new job and education opportunities for a better way of life. Broadband is now an essential utility service, like electricity, water and sewer. However, it has been too expensive for private carriers to construct a high-speed, high-capacity network across the entire state. With KentuckyWired, the state built the middle portion of a fiber network. Since ISPs can connect to KentuckyWired, they can now invest in extending their local fiber networks that will connect broadband services throughout communities.
Q: How will KentuckyWired benefit my community or me?
A: There will be opportunities for local ISPs to invest and expand fiber to homes and businesses. It also opens the market for new ISPs, which will promote competition for potential lower broadband costs for businesses, communities and citizens. Better connectivity enhances economic development and job growth, supports collaborative opportunities for research, education, and public safety.
Q: Will KentuckyWired improve the availability of internet in rural areas?
A: While KentuckyWired does not directly impact home usage, there is potential for more providers to enter the market. This may create competition and open services to new areas and help lower prices for existing services.
Q: Will KentuckyWired improve internet speeds in my home?
A: KentuckyWired does not directly impact home usage speeds but allows ISPs the potential capacity to increase speeds to your home.
Q: What speeds will be available?
A: KentuckyWired will provide the same speeds universally across the network. The envisioned service rate platform will extend from 100 megabits per second (Mbps) to 400 gigabits per second (Gbps) and will have multiple tiers within that range. KentuckyWired last mile services are limited to the executive branch agencies, the Kentucky Community and Technical Colleges, universities and the Administrative Office of the Court.
Q: What makes this project different from the original Kentucky Information Highway (KIH)?
A: The Commonwealth will own the infrastructure, and it will be open access. The original KIH is still carrier based, through one provider that sets the rates. Those service-based contracts were for shorter terms, and didn't have requirements to refresh the network and implement the newest technologies as they become available.
Q: How can a private ISP be involved with KentuckyWired?
A: The network will be open access, so ISPs can connect to it and handle the job of providing "last mile" service to communities, businesses and citizens.