News Releases

Raatz Roundup: Do your part to ensure broadband access for all Hoosiers

THE RAATZ ROUNDUP
Submitted for use on Jan. 4, 2022
Word Count: 297

Do your part to ensure broadband access for all Hoosiers

By State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond)

Reliable broadband access is critical in supporting Indiana's business environment and quality of life. In recognition of this need, the state continuously invests in local projects to improve internet access for Hoosier families and keep pace with the demands of technology.

Indiana expects to receive federal support for ensuing investments, but the total amount of funding is dependent upon the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) mapping of the quality of broadband access throughout the state.

Currently, the map is reporting that 98% of Hoosiers have access to the minimum broadband speed of 25 Mbps and 86% of residents have access to the preferred internet speed of 100 Mbps. However, these numbers are likely overestimations, which would greatly impact funding calculations and the state's ability to make substantial advancements to local broadband infrastructure.

This is why the Indiana Broadband Office is urging each resident to review the FCC's broadband map and submit disputes to improve its accuracy and help the state increase its chances of receiving the amount of funding it needs to enhance internet access.

Hoosiers can search for a specific address at broadbandmap.fcc.gov/home and dispute the map on grounds of location or availability. To challenge location, the address must be missing or inaccurately logged, and to contest availability, information about service to the specified address must be inaccurately reported by the internet provider.

Broadband funding is critical in order to extend access to those who are currently unserved or underserved throughout the state. This is why I strongly encourage all Hoosiers to fact-check the map and file disputes if they suspect their internet access is reflected inaccurately.

The deadline to file a dispute is Jan. 13.

If you have any questions or concerns on these or other topics, feel free to contact me at Senator.Raatz@iga.in.gov or 317-233-0930.

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State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes

Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.

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