Indiana Connectivity Program Expands Broadband Access in Rural Areas

SEI Communications in Dillsboro was among the recent grant recipients.

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INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs have awarded $898,075 to expand broadband access across the state.

The funding will allow 216 addresses to gain access to high-speed broadband as part of the sixth round of the Indiana Connectivity Program.

Locally, SEI Communications in Dillsboro was awarded $43,200 to expand broadband access to nine addresses in their service area.

Of the 216 addresses funded in ICP’s round six, 208 are households and eight are businesses. Internet providers carrying out the projects are matching over $2.1 million for a total investment of more than $3 million.

To find a list of providers granted funding, visit in.gov/ocra/broadband/icp.

“Reliable broadband access has become increasingly important in today’s world,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner. “The Indiana Connectivity Program continues to bridge the gap by giving 216 homes and businesses access to high-speed internet. Service providers are more likely to bid on clusters of addresses through the program rather than standalone locations. For this reason, I encourage those applying to tell their neighbors and community members about ICP.”

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 Next Level Connections Broadband portal does not guarantee extension of service.