The Indiana Broadband Office today awarded 172 addresses — 165 homes and seven businesses — a total of $620,503 for broadband projects in the 16th round of the Indiana Connectivity Program.
Broadband service providers in this round are matching the grants in the amount of $213,763, bringing the total investment to $834,266. Projects must be completed within nine months of the contract date, according to the press release.
More awards are expected to be distributed. The IBO notifies registered providers of the addresses requesting service under the program once a quarter.
This round of Indiana Connectivity Program grantees included:
- MG Technology Investment Group, LLC: $341,280 for 79 locations
- PSC Fiber: $116,603.00 for 34 locations
- Mainstream Fiber Networks: $57,024 for 33 locations
- Joink Inc: $29.239 for 10 locations
- Mulberry Telecommunications: $28,357 for 6 locations
- Surf Internet: $24,000 for 5 locations
- Johnson County REMC: $9,600 for 2 locations
- Jackson County REMC: $4,800 for 1 location
- Geetingsville Telephone Co: $4,800 for 1 location
- SEI Communications: $4,800 for 1 location
So far, more than $14 million has been provided through the Indiana Connectivity Program, which is designed to help offset the cost of providing reliable broadband to underserved locations throughout the state. More than 3,000 households, businesses, and community anchor institutions have benefited to date.
“Our goal in Indiana is to ensure every Hoosier family and business has access to reliable broadband service, and the Indiana Connectivity Program is crucial to achieving that, particularly in underserved rural areas,” Indiana Governor Mike Braun said in a prepared statement.
“This successful program bridges the digital divide for rural families and businesses that lack the reliable internet needed for work, healthcare, and education.”
During the 15th round of Indiana Connectivity Program funding, announced in October, the program awarded $654,676 in broadband grants to support 149 homes and seven businesses.
Additional information about broadband in Indiana, including links to state funding resources, BEAD news, grants made, state-specific Telecompetitor coverage, and more can be found on the Broadband Nation webpage for the state.
