Over 200 locations to receive broadband access

INDIANAPOLIS — Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch announced a $898,000 award to expand broadband access to over 200 locations through 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.

“Access to broadband has a direct connection to the quality of life in Indiana communities,” Crouch said.

“I am pleased that we can help bring reliable internet connection to Hoosiers across the state, especially those in rural areas.”

Of the 216 addresses funded in ICP’s round six, 208 are households and eight are businesses.

Internet providers carrying out the projects are matching over $2.1 million for a total investment of more than $3 million. To find a list of providers granted funding, visit in.gov/ocra/broadband/icp.

“Reliable broadband access has become increasingly important in today’s world,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner. “The Indiana Connectivity Program continues to bridge the gap by giving 216 homes and businesses access to high-speed internet.

“Service providers are more likely to bid on clusters of addresses through the program rather than standalone locations. For this reason, I encourage those applying to tell their neighbors and community members about ICP.”

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 portal at in.gov/ocra/broadband.

Submitting location information into the Next Level Connections Broadband portal does not guarantee extension of service.

Broadband providers must complete their projects within nine months of the contract date.