Indiana to Kick Off Rural Broadband Program Next Week

Starting Monday, residents and businesses in Indiana can try to take advantage of a new program that aims to spread high-speed Internet to the underserved and unserved.

The Indiana Connectivity Program will feature a portal called Next Level Connections where residents and businesses can provide their information with the hope that they are eligible. Interested parties can also call 833-639-8522.

According to a press release, places with Internet speeds “of less than 25 Mbps (download) and 3 Mbps (upload)” are eligible. Those numbers correspond with the Federal Communications Commission’s definition of broadband.

Service providers can begin work in eligible areas within 90 days of a successful application. Through a 60-day bidding process, providers may be able to get state money for projects. Funded projects must be completed in nine months.

“Through this program, we can help more Hoosiers, especially those in rural areas, have better access to quality Internet service,” said Denny Spinner, executive director of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, in the release. “The Indiana Connectivity Program is one more step toward expanding broadband accessibility to all corners of Indiana.”