Indiana will invest $270 million toward improving broadband access and adoption in Indiana. The Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program is designed to provide funds for the deployment of broadband infrastructure to provide eligible broadband service to unserved end users, which include households, businesses and community anchor institutions, such as schools and health clinics, across Indiana.
The need for access to critical broadband infrastructure has been significantly magnified in 2020. From consumer-facing connectivity needs, to digital and remote learning, telehealth services, online commerce transactions and e-government shifts, compelling need exists in many areas of Indiana. Specific areas that lack broadband coverage (less than actual speeds of 25 Mbps downstream); areas that lack quality, reliable access to fixed terrestrial broadband; and areas with compelling need in the state are priorities to address through this third round of Next Level Connections (NLC) Broadband Grants.
The Office of Community and Rural Affairs is responsible for administering the Program on behalf of the Office of Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, and the Office of Governor Eric Holcomb. The Next Level Connections Broadband program is funded through Indiana's appropriation from the US Department of Treasury's Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and state appropriated funding through the Rural Broadband Fund. These funds are designed to provide emergency funding for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to respond to the pandemic and its economic impacts, including making necessary investments in broadband infrastructure.
This program will provide a maximum of $5 million per grant to fund projects that provide access to high-quality, reliable broadband throughout Indiana. Applicants are expected to engage their community – community leaders and stakeholders (libraries, education institutions, healthcare, businesses, non-profits, etc.) – in the development of projects that are strategic, scalable and bridge critical access gaps to support quality of life considerations and economic viability for Indiana citizens and communities.
Round 1 Awards are available to view at https://www.in.gov/ocra/nlc/2019-round-1-awards/.
Round 2 awards are available to view at: https://www.in.gov/ocra/nlc/2020-round-2-awards/.
Middle mile expenses are eligible for grant funding only when they are necessary for the provision of the last mile services described in the application. Maintenance or operating expenses related to the project do not qualify as eligible costs.