Gov Holcomb announces more than $81 million broadband expansion

Governor Eric Holcomb (R-IN) announced an additional $81.5 million in the final round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program. The fourth round of the grant program leveraged 17 telecommunications providers and utility cooperatives contributing more than $135 million in matching funds, resulting in more than $216 million total investment for broadband. By providing a 20 percent match, broadband service providers and utility cooperatives can apply for up to $5 million to expand service to unserved areas. The Next Level Connections Broadband Grant  Program has awarded $328 million to connect more than 102,000 homes and commercial locations by funding broadband infrastructure projects. Since 2018, the state has leveraged more than $426 million in private and local investment. Connectivity projects will have been completed in 88 of Indiana’s 92 counties through all rounds of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program.