The Indiana Connectivity Program recently announced it had awarded nearly $1.5 million to expand broadband to 326 addresses across 34 counties. Of these addresses, there are 310 homes and 16 businesses. The broadband providers out the projects matched $5,286,195 for a total investment of $6,775,515.
The announcement marked the 11th round of these broadband awards in Indiana.
Surf Internet received the lion’s share of the awards, receiving $998,400 for 208 addresses. Also receiving more than $100,000 were Mulberry Telecommunications at $196,800 for 41 addresses; and PSC Fiber at $149,208 for 41 addresses.
Indiana’s full list of broadband awards for this round were as follows:
- Airwave Networks, LLC: $35,500 for nine addresses
- Auburn Essential Services: $24,000 for five addresses
- Berry Communications: $4,800 for one address
- Joink Inc.: $61,412 for 17 addresses
- Mulberry Telecommunications: $196,800 for 41 addresses
- PSC Fiber: $149,208 for 41 addresses
- SEI Communications: $19,200 for four addresses
- Surf Internet: $998,400 for 208 addresses
- TOTAL: $1,489,320 for 326 addresses
According to the announcement, the Indiana Connectivity Program aims to connect residents and businesses that lack access to broadband internet service with service providers and assist in the expense of extending broadband to those locations.
“Owners of residential and business locations unserved or underserved (access to actual speeds less than 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload) can apply for consideration by entering their information into the Next Level Connections portal to initiate their interest in receiving broadband internet service,” says the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs office website.
“Internet Service Providers will have the opportunity to review these locations and submit bids to the state on the cost of providing service to these locations.”
Additional information about Indiana broadband, including state funding resources, awards made, and state-specific coverage, can be found on the Telecompetitor Broadband Nation webpage for the state.
