The first of fourteen stops for the Better Internet Listening Tour took place in Hopkinsville Tuesday afternoon.
Local government officials, community members, and employees of local internet providers were in attendance at the Pennyrile Area Development District office to discuss the issues around the region in regard to reliable, high-speed internet service.
The discussion was hosted by the state’s Office of Broadband Development, in collaboration with the Education and Labor Cabinet. Top leaders from both departments were on hand for the discussion that allowed everyone on hand to vote on various polls about their top concerns for internet connectivity in their respective communities.
The data collected from all of the stops will allow the state to best determine where work needs to be done to better internet service for everyone across Kentucky. By the end of the tour, the state will also have a better idea of how to best make the plan a reality and determine where extra funding is needed.
Turning to a local effort being facilitated by Hopkinsville Electric System and energynet, Telecommunications Manager Richard Shaw tells the News Edge their plans are moving right along.
Pennyrile Rural Electric joined forces with HES & energynet in 2020 to help bring internet services to areas where it has been almost nonexistent in the past.
Pennyrile President & CEO Alan Gates says this project allows them to better continue serving their customers.
As for the Better Internet Listening Tour held Tuesday, HES & energynet General Manager Jeff Hurd says the biggest takeaway is the importance of partnerships.
While Pennyrile Electric has done a lot of work determining where internet services are needed across their service areas, Hurd adds they continue to seek input from customers who still need service.
The Better Internet Listening Tour continues Thursday in Mayfield at the Purchase Area Development District office. Area officials and other interested parties who missed the Hopkinsville stop are encouraged to attend the stop in Mayfield that will begin at 1:00 PM.
