ConnectKentucky has garnered national, industry-wide recognition as a best-practice model for broadband expansion. The model includes extensive broadband mapping, a public-private partnership and local eCommunity Leadership Teams.
Brian Mefford, CEO of Connected Nation, ConnectKentucky's parent company, said "It is a significant honor for ConnectKentucky to be named among the Hadden Pioneer Award winners. It is a tremendous affirmation of the public and private partners, volunteers and telecommunication workers who have come together to make a difference in the lives of all Kentuckians. Through Connected Nation, we are replicating this work in other states and the Hadden Award acknowledges the importance of technology growth for every American."
"ConnectKentucky provides an incredibly successful model for stimulating broadband build out and demand that should be adopted nationally," said APT President Kenneth Peres.
"ConnectKentucky's comprehensive strategy of assessing broadband availability, identifying and aggregating demand through grassroots county planning teams, and bringing providers and users together through a private public partnership has resulted in an expansion of broadband availability that is both significant and measurable."