STATEHOUSE (Oct. 1, 2021) – Area 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. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) 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.
"There is an internet divide between urban and rural areas, and in many places it’s a significant gap," Smaltz said. "Rural communities face challenges like high cost, service quality, connectivity and even availability. Because of the benefits of internet access, it's my hope more people can connect to quality broadband service through this program."
State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City) 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).
"Many rural Hoosiers feel the daily struggle of being without reliable internet access," Abbott said. "We want to do our part to help them. By continuing to focus on and learn more about this issue, we can find creative ways to help address this problem."
According to State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola), internet providers will review service requests and submit bids to the state to extend broadband to those eligible areas. Zent said the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs will evaluate bids and award funding.
"From something as simple as looking up a nearby restaurant to searching for a new job, all Hoosiers rely on the internet," Zent said. "Access to reliable broadband is nearly as important these days as electricity and roads. It's a crucial tool in today's world that keeps everyone connected."
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," Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said. "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. David Abbott (R-Rome City) represents House District 82, which includes
all of Noble County and portions of Allen, Elkhart, LaGrange and Whitley counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52, which
includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Steuben and Allen counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) represents House District 51,
which includes most of LaGrange and Steuben counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
