The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government is looking to extend more broadband service in rural parts of the central Kentucky county. A Lexington Council committee got a briefing last week.
The city of Lexington will be asking telecommunications companies to make a proposal to extend more broadband fiber outside the urban service boundary. Government officials from neighboring counties have been contacted about a regional approach. Council Member Kathy Plomin said it is the number one issue in her rural 12th district. “Trying to work from home, trying to have your kids educated, trying to do telehealth, trying to order things on the internet. It’s just been such a critical situation. And it was before COVID,” said Plomin.
Lexington Chief Information Officer Aldona Valicienti told Plomin it could be a two and half to four-year project to complete broadband coverage in rural Fayette County.
Valicienti said a private company offering satellite-tied broadband capability might not be a fit for Fayette County residents.
“Right now, based on what we know, this is probably not going to be the answer for the general public. Mainly because it requires multiple satellites. It is certainly more costly. It’s probably not affordable.”
Councilmember David Kloiber asked that the satellite option be given further examination. Valicienti said an RFP could be issued later this month. A request for proposal announces a project, describes it, and solicits bids from contractors to complete it. Valicienti anticipates at least three fiber-optic firms would likely be interested.
