STATEHOUSE (Oct. 1 , 2021) – Allen County lawmakers encourage local residents and businesses with slow or no broadband internet service to apply for help using the newly launched Indiana Connectivity Program, established by legislation they supported.
State Rep. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) said the program will spread high-speed broadband to unserved and underserved Hoosiers. Those without a quality internet connection can report their address and information using the Next Level Connections portal at in.gov/ocra/broadband/icp or by calling the Indiana Broadband Connect Center during business days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (ET) at 833-639-8522.
"Economically speaking, rural communities without quality broadband access are being left behind," Heine said. "It's an essential part of growth for businesses, and without it, they can become stagnant. This program is a common-sense approach to help connect Hoosiers to the world."
State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) said the program will connect qualifying residents and businesses with broadband in their area and also help providers by assisting in the expense of extending service to those locations. To be eligible for assistance, a location must experience speeds of less than 25 Mbps (download) and 3 Mbps (upload).
"Despite recent technological improvements, some rural communities are still without an affordable internet option," Morris said. "This program is an investment in the future. We are past the time where accessing the internet is a luxury – it's essential."
According to State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne), internet providers will review service requests and submit bids to the state to extend broadband to those eligible areas. Carbaugh said the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs will evaluate bids and award funding.
"In recent years, we've seen how critical access to broadband is to the success of students, families and employers," Carbaugh said. "Hoosiers use the internet to bring groceries to their homes, seek out medical advice and teach their children. We need to look at every way to maximize our state's broadband coverage."
Funded projects must be completed in nine months. Hoosiers should know that submitting their location to the state does not guarantee service will be extended.
"The Indiana Connectivity Program will aid unserved and underserved Hoosiers in getting better access to reliable, high-speed broadband internet service," said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. "This program would not be possible without the diligent efforts of the General Assembly and the law the legislature passed earlier this year that creates this new tool to connect Hoosiers. I am grateful for our state’s continued commitment to expanding broadband to all corners of Indiana."
Hoosiers can visit in.gov/ocra/broadband/icp for more information about the program and to apply for assistance.
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State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 81, which includes a portion of Allen County.
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State Rep. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 85, which includes a portion of Allen County.
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State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 84, which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
