STATEHOUSE (Oct. 14, 2021) – State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) encourages local residents and businesses with slow or no broadband internet service to apply for help using the newly launched Indiana Connectivity Program.
Lehman said the program, established by legislation he supported, 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.
"This is a great opportunity for everyone, especially in our more rural areas of the state, to either call or go to the online portal to report their internet issues," Lehman said. "Whether for school, business, health or personal reasons, the internet is a valuable tool, and slower speeds are a hindrance in this modern world."
Lehman 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).
Internet providers will review service requests and submit bids to the state to extend broadband to those eligible areas. Lehman said the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs will evaluate bids and award funding. 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. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County and portions of Allen and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
