| 11/5/2007 3:00:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article | ConnectKentucky local team brings
seminar to library
Courier Staff Report
Beginning three years ago, ConnectKentucky, a statewide initiative created by Gov. Ernie Fletcher, has been working to provide access to high-speed Internet connection to the underserved residents of Kentucky.
From its inception, the use and accessibility of broadband has increased 50 percent and continues to rise in the state. About 532,000 previously unserved Kentucky households can now access broadband as private investment in telecommunications infrastructure has reached an unprecedented level. This represents an increase of more than 1.4 million Kentucky residents gaining broadband service since January 2004.
Currently, 94 percent of Kentucky homes can access broadband, and ConnectKentucky expects every household to be capable of accessing high-speed Internet by the end of this year.
Carroll County is also making strides in providing broadband to county residents. DSL and cable broadband are available in parts of the county, and satellite broadband is available to the rest of the county. The county is also in negotiations with two wireless providers that should be able to reach the underserved part of the county.
To introduce Carroll County residents to these services, the education committee of the Carroll County ConnectKentucky team is hosting "Connecting Carroll County" on Thursday. The program will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. at the Carroll County Public Library.
Vendors from the broadband companies have been invited to have information booths so visitors can find out more about the services offered. One computer company will be on hand with information about buying a computer. Also, five of the local banks will have information booths set up to provide information about online banking.
Starting at 3 p.m., workshops will be available in the library meeting room. The Kentucky State Police will have sessions at 3 and 4 p.m. on identity theft and online safety. At 5 p.m., the banks will present a session on online banking. The Student Technology Leadership Teams from the schools will present a program.
The identity theft program will repeat at 7 p.m. with James Johnson from the Kentucky attorney general's office. He will answer questions as long as visitors want to ask after the session.
Vendors have provided door prizes. A drawing will be held at 7:30 that evening. The winners do not have to be present to win.
The program will not affect any of the regular public library services that day. The story hour program could be a time for parents to explore the opportunities.
For more information, contact the Carroll County Extension Office at (502) 732-7030.
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