When Daniel Boone and the early pioneers entered the wilderness of Kentucky through the Cumberland Gap, they quickly realized that they faced great challenges and opportunities in the new frontier. Two and a half centuries later, the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Plateau is still an unparalleled beauty and a stubborn obstacle to connectivity and development.
The challenges posed by the rugged terrain are familiar to Harran County people. As the Harran County Treasury Court recently announced that it received $1.9 million in broadband expansion funding from the Appalachian Regional Council (ARC), our commitment to improving connectivity for all remains a priority.
We know that high-speed Internet has the potential to connect Eastern Kentucky people with each other and with the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, with renewed emphasis and large federal funding for broadband, it is time for other rural counties in Kentucky to seize the opportunity.
Why is fiber optics an ideal choice for rural communities scattered in Eastern Kentucky?
Fiber optic infrastructure represents the best way to provide reliable and fast Internet connections for many groups, from small businesses engaged in e-commerce to students studying at home. Although the rugged terrain of Eastern Kentucky may lead people to believe that wireless technology will be the easiest option, optical fiber is light-years faster than wireless technology, and even faster than other wired options such as cables and copper wires.
In addition, fiber optics supports symmetrical speeds, allowing connections to be made at the same download and upload speeds-creating a better user experience for video conferencing, streaming media and games, which have become very popular during the pandemic. It is also the most reliable broadband technology because compared to cables, copper cables, or wireless services, optical fibers are less prone to performance degradation due to usage, distance, or weather conditions. The symmetrical speed capability and reliability of optical fiber are obviously better.
In addition, optical fiber is the only broadband technology that is expected to meet user needs during its life cycle. This technology can foresee future demand and allow for upgrades and affordable services in the coming years. Optical fiber is more flexible because once it is deployed, the upgrade cost is lower than other broadband technologies.
Fiber is a one-time build, and it will allow our local communities to stay connected for a long time. Earlier this year, global speed test provider Ookla reported a record broadband speed of 179/65 Mbps. If the current growth trajectory continues in the next 10 years, broadband speeds will reach 1.5 gig/599 Mbps by 2030. Only optical fiber can provide these speeds.
People in rural Kentucky need broadband. For work, education, telemedicine, and many other applications, fiber optics is the best solution to keep our communities in touch and stay in this way. The past two years have clearly demonstrated the importance of Internet access, especially in rural Kentucky.
Let us seize the opportunity to invest in our community and build a strong fiber optic broadband network to meet the needs of everyone, from small businesses to students and all other citizens of the Commonwealth.
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