LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- High-speed fiberoptic internet service will soon be available to more than 6,000 homes and businesses in Bullitt County.
The $6.8 million Kinetic Fiber Project was announced Monday at the Bullitt County central library. It will provide connection speeds of 8 gigabits per second to 6,300 eligible homes, businesses and schools in the county.
The county will commit $2 million from its general fund to support the project, and Kinetic — which is part of Windstream — will invest $4.8 million and cover any cost overruns.
The combined venture will enable Kinetic to install about 170 miles of optical fiber cable to bring high-speed internet to residences, businesses and schools, with work expected to be completed next year, according to a news release.
The project is expected to begin early next month and be completed sometime next year, but residents don't have to wait until then. They will be able to sign up as soon as the optical fiber reaches their building.
Windstream also announced a digital literacy program in partnership with the Bullitt County Central Library.
Windstream President and CEO Tony Thomas said the two projects go hand-in-hand.
"You have to both build fiber, and you have to make sure people have access to that fiber. And when you talk about access to technology you talk about training and equipping people for the modern era. And that means creating new skills," Thomas said.
The program covers basic computer skills to ensure people can take advantage of the technology.
Anyone anywhere can take a course for free anytime by visiting Kinetic's digital literacy website. They can also learn more about the program by clicking this link.
Bullitt County households and businesses wanting to find out if they are eligible for a fiber broadband upgrade may visit GoKinetic.com. They may also visit or call the Kinetic Connection Center retail store at 111 South Main St. in Elizabethtown. The phone number is 270-765-1892.
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