Troy, AL – Governor Kay Ivey marked the fourth stop on her broadband tour at Troy University on Thursday, emphasizing the critical role high-speed internet plays in advancing education in Alabama. The governor underscored the intersection of education and technology as a pivotal step in the state’s digital evolution, ensuring students can keep pace with 21st-century advancements.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ivey expressed her dedication to integrating high-speed internet across the state, reflecting a broader commitment to technological progress in education. She envisions a more connected future for all of Alabama through the collective effort of achieving digital advancement.
Accompanying Governor Ivey at the event were key figures including Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) Director Kenneth Boswell, Sen. Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva), Rep. Marcus Paramore (R-Troy), and Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins.
The speakers addressed what they called the substantial progress in broadband projects within the Wiregrass region and across the state, highlighting the nearly $21 million in grant and matching funds committed for such projects. These funds aim to connect over 6,600 currently unserved addresses in Coffee, Covington, Crenshaw, Geneva, Houston, Montgomery, and Pike counties.
One notable initiative discussed was the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund (ABAF), funded by the Alabama Legislature. ADECA, under the guidance of Governor Ivey, manages these funds to support targeted projects in communities lacking high-speed internet access. This enables internet service providers to implement projects connecting households, businesses, libraries, schools, and other community anchor institutions to broadband infrastructure.
Since 2018, Alabama has invested approximately $82 million in state dollars through grant awards, supporting over 100 projects under the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. Once completed, these projects will provide broadband service to more than 72,000 Alabama households, businesses, and community institutions that currently lack options to subscribe.
Sen. Chesteen emphasized the importance of broadband infrastructure as a priority for creating a stronger future for the state. He expressed pride in the progress made thus far and the ongoing commitment to expanding internet access until all Alabamians are connected.
Director Boswell highlighted the collaborative effort of a unified team, including Governor Ivey, the Alabama Legislature, internet service providers, and other stakeholders, working towards the shared goal of broadband expansion.
For those interested in learning more about Alabama’s efforts to expand high-speed internet access, the Be Linked Alabama website serves as a hub for information and news. Accessible at broadband.alabama.gov, the site includes the Alabama Broadband Map, county profiles and dashboards, and statewide broadband news.
