STATEHOUSE (Nov. 1, 2021) – Local lawmakers encourage residents and businesses with slow or no broadband internet service to apply for help using the newly launched Indiana Connectivity Program.
State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) 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.
"More Hoosiers rely on online communication to connect to education, health services and businesses than ever before," King said. "Improving access to this crucial tool for all is a long-term investment in our state's future and one we are committed to seeing through."
State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) 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).
"Believe it or not, there are still communities in our area that do not have dependable internet," Miller said. "Getting all underserved Hoosiers connected to broadband can allow them to sell and purchase goods and services through a global market they might not have had access to otherwise."
Internet providers will review service requests and submit bids to the state to extend broadband to those eligible areas. State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) said the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs will evaluate bids and award funding.
"Reporting slow speeds will let providers know exactly where broadband expansion is needed," Wesco said. "I encourage those who lack quality internet to submit their information to Next Level Connections today and help more Hoosiers get 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," 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. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes the eastern portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Doug Miller (R-Elkhart) represents House District 48,
which includes portions of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
