Indianapolis, IN — Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs has announced the third round of the Indiana Connectivity Program awarded $760,727 to expand broadband access to 197 addresses across 28 Indiana counties. The program aims to help more Hoosier residents and business owners obtain access to high-speed, quality broadband.
Locally, Southeastern Indiana REMC received $171,484 to expand broadband access to 46 addresses in its service area.
The Indiana Connectivity Program acts as a tool to connect residents and businesses that lack internet service with internet service providers and assist in the expense of extending broadband to unserved and underserved locations.
“This program is unique to broadband initiatives across the country because it provides people a space to express their need for reliable broadband access,” Crouch said. “Expanding internet connectivity is a priority and allowing Hoosiers to voice their need for access is important to ensure all are connected across the state.”
Of the 197 addresses funded, 188 are households and nine are businesses. Internet providers carrying out the projects are matching over $1.8 million for a total investment of $2.6 million. To find a list of providers granted funding, visit in.gov/ocra/broadband/icp.
“Our rural Hoosiers should have the ability to work and connect online in the same capacity as those in urban areas,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner. “The Indiana Connectivity Program is now helping nearly 200 additional locations to gain broadband access and achieve this goal.”
The program accepts addresses on a rolling basis. Hoosiers and business owners lacking internet connectivity can communicate their interests by entering their addresses and information into the Next Level Connections portal at in.gov/ocra/broadband.
Broadband providers must complete their projects within nine months of the contract date. For more information, visit in.gov/ocra/broadband/icp.
(Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs press release)
