Message from the Executive Director

A little more than four years ago, ConnectKentucky spearheaded the Prescription for Innovation initiative. Today, the results of that work are unprecedented. The model used by ConnectKentucky for broadband deployment and technology growth repeatedly garners national recognition, leading to passage of national legislation known as the Broadband Data Improvement Act (BDIA). Under the federal stimulus act recently passed by Congress, the BDIA is fully funded, providing every state across the country with an opportunity to implement technology availability and adoption programs like ConnectKentucky. Additionally, the federal stimulus act provides competitive grants for broadband infrastructure to extend broadband service to “unserved” and “underserved” areas.

As a result of the work of ConnectKentucky and its partners, the following successes have been accomplished:

• Broadband availability has increased from 60 percent to 95 percent which represents about 546,000 new households;
• Home computer ownership has increased to 72 percent from 58 percent;
• All Kentucky counties have technology plans or programs and 120 counties have local government websites;
• More than 3,100 computers delivered to underprivileged kids, libraries, non-profit after-school programs and community centers;
• 24,500 new Kentucky IT jobs have been created; and
• More than 5.5 million positive media impressions were made in 2008.

With broadband funds in the federal stimulus, ConnectKentucky’s focus will shift to ensuring Kentucky receives its fair share of funding for broadband projects. Utilizing the state’s strong technology foundation and broadband infrastructure, ConnectKentucky is now in the unique position to make certain Kentuckians take advantage of technology in life changing ways. With available technology, unforeseen opportunities are within reach, such as: better and more affordable healthcare; an education that prepares Kentucky’s children to prosper in a globally networked world; residing in one of Kentucky’s rural communities and succeeding in a career that formerly required moving to a major metropolitan area; and developing a competitive economic advantage for attracting today’s high-tech jobs to replace the decline of traditional low-skilled jobs.

We look forward to continuing to ensure Kentucky remains a national leader in technology deployment and adoption.

René F. True
Executive Director
ConnectKentucky