Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 10 on U.S. Highway 421 in Harlan received a “hut” from the Kentucky Communications Network Authority (KCNA) on Nov. 2. The hut is part of KentuckyWired’s high-speed fiber optic cable network being installed in every county throughout the Commonwealth.

The hut will serve as a connection point for the state police to linkconnect to the 288-strand fiber cable, helping troopers communicate with other first responders and government agencies, by transmitting and receivinged data faster than ever before. It will help them download files, access cameras, traffic information, photographs, criminal records, blueprints and other information while increasing their ability to respond to emergencies.

State Rep. and retired Kentucky State Police Trooper Chris Fugate said “KentuckyWired will bring critical infrastructure for economic development, jobs, and education to eastern Kentucky and its people. The installation of a KentuckyWired hut in Harlan is great progress on the project’s construction and should encourage anyone who recognizes its value and potential to lift up our region’s quality of life.”

The hut is 15 feet wide, 22 feet long, and 9 feet high and was placed just outside the KSP State Police post, along with a generator.

“Streamlining correspondence between troopers and other first responders is critical for the citizens they serve and protect. This move will help first responders be more effective and efficient, and in their profession every second counts,” said State Sen. Johnny Ray Turner.

KentuckyWired will enhance the speed and efficiency of the state police and government agencies throughout the Commonwealth and bring an economic boost as its middle mile network becomes available to the private sector, encouraging. It will entice companies to build in Kentucky. It will also enhance healthcare, education, cellular phone service, and enrich the lives of all citizens of Kentucky. The first portion of the KentuckyWired network is expected to be functional in 2018.