FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kyra Helming, Press Secretary
317-232-9498
STATEHOUSE (April 21, 2022) — Rural broadband projects in Senate District 27 will receive a total of $16,057,158.35 to improve broadband connectivity through the third round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, said State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond).
Created with support from the General Assembly, the Next Level Broadband Grant Program is the largest single state investment in broadband. In total, rounds one, two and three of the program have awarded $268 million for broadband infrastructure for more than 74,800 homes and commercial locations. When combined with private and local investment, over $580 million has been leveraged since 2018. Projects will have been completed in 83 of Indiana’s 92 counties through the three rounds of the awards.
In Senate District 27, the following providers were awarded grants:
• Comcast
Comcast received two grants to expand broadband access to 1,318 households and 47 businesses in Fayette, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson and Wayne counties.
• Frontier
Frontier received a grant to expand broadband access to 377 households in Franklin County.
• Miles Communications
Miles Communications received three grants to expand broadband access to 111 households and 96 businesses in Decatur, Franklin and Ripley counties.
• New Lisbon Broadband
New Lisbon Broadband received a grant to expand broadband access in Wayne County.
• Southeastern Indiana REMC
Southeastern Indiana REMC received two grants to expand broadband access to 599 households and 58 businesses in Dearborn, Franklin, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties.
• Spectrum Mid-America
Spectrum Mid-America received three grants to expand broadband access to 930 households and 35 businesses in Franklin, Union and Wayne counties.
"Broadband expansion is a critical component of improving the quality of life and business environment in Indiana," Raatz said. "I am encouraged to see so many projects coming to Senate District 27, and I look forward to the positive impact they will have on our local economy and schools."
This third round of funding will provide broadband infrastructure to more than 52,900 homes and commercial locations in 80 counties.
In addition, the 35 telecommunications providers and utility cooperatives contributed more than $239 million in matching funds, resulting in more than $429 million in total investments for broadband in the third round.
The program allows broadband service providers and utility cooperatives to apply for up to $5 million to expand service to unserved or underserved areas if they provide at least a 20% match.
A full list of the awards can be found here.
-30-
Click here for a high-resolution photo of Raatz.
