Indiana Connectivity Program awards 13th round of funds for broadband access

INDIANAPOLIS — The office of Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith, along with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, announced on Wednesday that more than 370 addresses across 40 counties will now have access to high-speed broadband internet.

As part of the 13th round of the Indiana Connectivity Program, $1,660,949 in funds will help 371 addresses gain access to high-speed broadband. The program has helped Hoosier businesses and residents obtain access to reliable internet, specifically in rural areas.

“Making sure every Hoosier has access to reliable broadband, no matter where they live, is a big part of our commitment to building a stronger, more connected Indiana,” Beckwith said in a news release surrounding the announcement. “The Indiana Connectivity Program is helping us close the gap, giving families the tools they need and helping businesses grow. Every round of funding brings us closer to our goal of a fully connected and thriving state.”

Out of the 371 addresses funded in this particular round, the release said 353 are households and 18 are businesses. Providers carrying out the projects are matching $6,107,393 for a total investment of $7,768,342.

“This program is helping us move one step closer to our goal of providing high-speed, affordable and reliable broadband internet to all Hoosiers,” Indiana Chief Broadband Officer Steve Cox said in the release. “The IBO’s top priority is the rural homeowner or businessowner with limited or no access to internet, and we will do all we can to get each of these locations connected to broadband across the State of Indiana.”

The release said broadband providers are required to complete their projects within nine months of the contract date. The program accepts addresses on a rolling basis from residents and business owners lacking connectivity.

For more information about the program, click here.