Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced 175 addresses will gain access to high-speed broadband as a result of $637,346 awarded in the eighth round of the Indiana Connectivity Program.
ICP helps Hoosier residents and business owners, often in rural areas, obtain access to reliable broadband by assisting internet providers with the expense of extending its services to underserved locations of Indiana.
"As lieutenant governor, I remain committed to creating more opportunities for Hoosier families, regardless of their zip code,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “For rural areas, a vital pathway to opportunity today is having access to a fast, reliable internet connection. It is wonderful to see the collaboration between state government and the private sector to improve the quality of life for Hoosiers."
Of the 175 addresses funded in ICP's round eight, 168 are households and seven are businesses. Internet providers carrying out the projects are matching $1,145,002 for a total investment of more than $1,782,348. To find a list of providers granted funding, visit in.gov/ocra/broadband/icp.
"The Indiana Connectivity Program serves Hoosiers throughout the state by connecting them to high-speed broadband," said OCRA Broadband Program Director Rokshana Shireen. "Congratulations to the residents and businesses who will soon gain access to reliable internet through this funding. I encourage those lacking adequate service to submit their addresses and apply to the Indiana Connectivity Program today."
The program accepts addresses on a rolling basis. Hoosiers and business owners lacking internet connectivity can communicate their interest by entering their address and information into the Next Level Connections (Broadband) portal at in.gov/ocra/broadband. Submitting location information into the portal does not guarantee extension of service.
Broadband providers must complete their projects within nine months of the contract date.