Partnership Bringing High-Speed Fiber to Unserved Areas

(stock photo courtesy: Pexels/Brett Sayles)

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Hundreds of Hoosiers in the western and southwestern regions of the state will have gigabit broadband internet service following a partnership between the Utilities District of Western Indiana and South Central Indiana REMC. The two groups plan to expand fiber to the north-central sections of UDWI’s territory to bring high-speed internet to around 200 unserved homes and businesses.

SCI REMC will use existing fiber assets to attach to UDWI’s existing pole plant to quickly provide internet service.

“It’s a special thing to be able to work together with other local organizations to achieve the same end goal. The partnership will allow SCI to bring fiber to areas that we normally wouldn’t be able to reach, and we look forward to working with UDWI on this project,” said James Tanneberger, president and CEO of SCI REMC.

Indiana announced the second round of Next Level Connections Broadband grant program last year, which awarded more than $50 million for 50 broadband expansion projects across the state. SCI REMC was awarded two grants and is using one of them to help build fiber in the new partnership.

“We are grateful for opportunities that allow UDWI to serve its members in ways beyond utility service. This partnership allows UDWI to further strengthen its internal goal of improving service and reliability for its members, and we are excited for this project to begin,” said UDWI Chief Executive Officer Doug Childs. 

UDWI says construction is slated to begin this year, with an anticipated completion in mid-to-late 2022.