Indiana approved for broadband funding

Source: Indiana Capital Chronicle

Indiana will receive $187 million to expand its broadband capacity under the American Rescue Plan, connecting more than 50,000 Hoosiers to high-speed broadband internet, as announced by the U.S. Treasury Department this week.

The funding comes from the federal Capital Projects Fund, with Indiana’s allocation composing more than a quarter of the total $408 million funding for five states. The other states are Nebraska, Connecticut, Arkansas and North Dakota.

Indiana’s plan, approved by the Treasury Department, outlined the state’s plans to deliver reliable service that “meets or exceeds symmetrical download and upload speeds of 100 megabits per second,” according to a White House release.

Plans must prioritize connecting families and businesses with poor or inadequate service, especially in rural areas. In particular, Indiana’s program prioritizes school buildings, rural health clinics and households with students.

The funding comes with a caveat that Indiana must participate in the Affordable Connectivity Fund, which provides a discount on Internet services for qualifying households.

Indiana’s Next Level Connections Broadband Grant will administer the funds, which some communities can choose to combine with their prior grant allotments.