Governor Holcomb Launches Next Level Broadband Program

(image courtesy WTHR-TV)

Governor Eric Holcomb has launched a program dedicating $100 million to bring broadband to rural areas of the state. The Next Level Broadband Program will be overseen by Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The Indiana Department of Transportation will administer grants and provide technical support. 

Broadband providers may apply for up to $5 million in the first round of funding to expand services to areas not already served, if they provide at least a 20-percent match. Unserved areas are classified as having one broadband provider offering enough speed for basic services, at least 10 mbps download and 1 mpbs upload. The program was launched after months of work from Governor Holcomb’s $1 billion statewide infrastructure program Next Level Connections, which was announced last year. 

The deadline to apply is April 5th and applications can be found here.