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The 15th round of the Indiana Connectivity Program has yielded over $650,000 in grant awards to expand access to locations in 30 counties.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Awardees for the 15th round of the Indiana Connectivity Program will extend reliable broadband to 149 homes and seven businesses across 30 counties, according to the Indiana Broadband Office.
The announcement, made last week, signifies a total investment of more than $1.7 million, the release stated. In addition to state funds, internet service providers have contributed more than $1.1 million in matching funds, the state broadband office stated.
Mulberry Telecommunications was awarded the largest amount. The provider was awarded over $300,000 in grant funds to connect 64 addresses, the Indiana Connectivity Program’s website reported.
Projects must be completed within nine months of the contract date, according to the Indiana Broadband Office.
Chief Broadband Officer Steve Cox spoke about the importance of the program, which has allocated over $14 million to providers to date.
“This program helps many of those rural locations get connected – the families and businesses that currently do not have reliable internet for remote work, telehealth, schoolwork or everyday tasks,” Cox said.
Comments from the governor were also included in the Oct. 16 announcement.
“Broadband connects people to opportunity,” said Indiana Governor Mike Braun. “With reliable internet farmers can modernize, kids can learn, and small businesses can compete.”
Applications to the program also remain ongoing, and underserved homes and business owners may apply for the program through the state’s Next Level Connections portal.
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