07/11/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/11/2024 22:12
Lt. Gov. Crouch, OCRA award more than $3.3M to expand broadband access to 708 locations through the Indiana Connectivity Program
INDIANAPOLIS (July 11, 2024) - Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouchand the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairstoday announced 708 addresses will gain access to high-speed broadband as a result of $3,327,496 awarded in the 10th round of the Indiana Connectivity Program.
The Indiana Connectivity Program 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.
"Indiana has taken another big step in providing a reliable broadband connection to all Hoosiers," said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "This investment will greatly improve quality of life across the state, especially in our rural communities."
Of the 708 addresses funded in the Indiana Connectivity Program's 10th round, 688 are households and 20 are businesses. Internet providers carrying out the projects are matching $13,706,591 for a total investment of $17,034,087. To find a list of providers granted funding, visit in.gov/ocra/broadband/icp.
"This round of funding is the largest investment so far and serves more addresses than any previous round of the Indiana Connectivity Program," said OCRA Executive Director Duke Bennett. "This is an exciting milestone in the program and in bringing Indiana into the digital age."
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 portal does not guarantee extension of service.
Broadband providers must complete their projects within nine months of the contract date. For more information, visit in.gov/ocra/broadband/icp.
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