Next Level Broadband program provides $28.4 million to fund local broadband infrastructure projects

Next Level Broadband program provides $28.4 million to fund local broadband infrastructure projects

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Gov. Eric Holcomb recently announced the Next Level Broadband grant program has awarded an additional $6.3 million to Indiana communities, bringing the total grant amount awarded to date to $28.4 million for the first round of funding.

The Next Level Broadband grant program is the largest single state investment in broadband and is funded through the Rural Broadband Fund, which was established during the 2019 legislative session by Senate Enrolled Act 460. This legislation works in conjunction with the state budget to provide $100 million, distributed during multiple rounds of funding, for improving broadband in Indiana by reducing the expensive installation cost service providers must pay.

In addition to funding awarded through the Next Level Broadband, nine telecommunications providers and utility cooperatives contributed $23.3 million in matching funds, resulting in $51.7 million total investment for broadband.

This funding will provide broadband infrastructure to more than 11,300 Hoosier homes and commercial locations across 18 counties.

Qualified service providers were eligible to apply for up to $5 million per project to expand service to unserved areas if they contributed at least 20% of the total project budget.

Unserved areas are those without at least one telecommunication provider offering internet fast enough to provide the most basic services – at least 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload.

The Senate Republican caucus will continue to support legislation that improves Hoosiers’ access to reliable, affordable broadband.

Click here for more information on the Next Level Broadband initiative and to view the full list of grant recipients.