<html><body>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Gov. Andy Beshear said on Tuesday that $386 million would be invested to provide broadband connectivity in 46 counties. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">According to Beshear, the funds will support initiatives that will grant high-speed internet access to more than 42,600 homes and businesses for the first time.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">"High-speed internet is no longer a luxury. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Every Kentuckian deserves access because it's essential for school, work, health care, and more, Beshear said. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">The largest investment in our history was made during the first round of governmental funding.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">And now, in keeping with our pledge to provide every household and company in the Commonwealth with cheap, dependable high-speed internet, we are breaking our record with another historic accomplishment.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><img alt="Gov. Beshear announces $386 million investment to expand internet access" src="http://gospeedcheck.com/filemanager/data-images/imgs/20230915/kentucky-receives-investment-to-expand-internet-access.jpg" style="height:400px; width:640px"></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:center"><em>Gov. Beshear announces $386 million investment to expand internet access</em></p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">The Kentucky Broadband Deployment Fund distributed 56 grants worth more than $196 million. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">According to the Governor's Office, internet service providers who won grant money will also provide more than $190 million in matching payments.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">Leaders of rural communities claim that this will aid in advancing their regions.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">"This is a big deal for our rural communities - our farmers, our farm families, and our students are going to be connected to the internet," said Woodford County Judge Executive James Kay. </p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">And the internet will be of high quality and reliability.</p>

<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:justify">This funding announcement, according to House Speaker David Osborne, "is further proof that the legislature's goal of expanding broadband access is within reach."</p>

<p style="text-align:justify">Read more: <a href="https://gospeedcheck.com/article/apple-shares-decline-after-china-bans-government-personnel-from-using-iphones-1216"><strong>Apple Shares Fall Due to China's Prohibition of iPhones</strong></a></p>
</body></html>