LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky's state-owned fiber optic network once touted as the solution to Kentucky’s digital divide is now at the center of a contentious debate over its management and potential.
The Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA), the board responsible for overseeing the state’s broadband infrastructure, went into closed session Thursday to discuss pending litigation.
At the heart of the issue: the underuse of a $1 billion fiber optic cable network designed to bring high-speed internet to every county, most public schools, health care facilities, government offices and seven state universities.
During a virtual board meeting, KCNA heard a long-awaited presentation on a "dark fiber" study conducted by broadband consultant Joanne Hovis and her firm, CTC Technology & Energy.
Despite its ominous name, “dark fiber” refers to unused capacity in the fiber optic system. While the cable is already delivering internet to key public institutions, large portions of the network remain inactive. The study revealed that this dormant infrastructure could be leased to private internet and telecom companies to expand service in rural and underserved areas — and generate millions in revenue.
“This is what we were looking to see and hoping to see,” one board member said during the meeting. “It’s kind of an update and refresh from a dozen years ago when this was considered from its original point.”
But instead of closing the digital divide, some argue that the network — known as KentuckyWired — is falling short of its mission.
OpenFiber Kentucky, also known as Accelecom, previously served as the wholesale provider responsible for leasing out the dark fiber to private companies. However, the state cut ties with the company after accusations surfaced that it was stalling the network’s expansion and limiting access to the dark fiber — claims the company denies.
“To suggest that we are not fulfilling KentuckyWired’s mission of expanding access in the Commonwealth is simply untrue,” Accelecom said in a statement. “KCNA has multiple requests from us to activate dark fiber customers dating back as early as December of 2023. They have not approved these or any other connections in nearly two years.”
With much of the network unused and underleased, the taxpayer-funded project is not recouping its costs, according to the study presented Thursday.
Now, what was once promised as a transformative investment in Kentucky’s broadband future is becoming a source of frustration — and litigation — as the state figures out how to better light up its dark fiber.
Previous Coverage:
Broadband dispute escalates as Kentucky officials slam company over dark fiber access
Thousands could lose internet access as Kentucky cuts ties with fiber optic manager
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