State announces $189 million in broadband grants, spread across 80 counties

Unable to load the audio player.
You could try direct download?

Listen at IPB News

Brandon Smith

Article origination IPB News

More than 52,000 Hoosier homes and businesses will be able to connect to broadband through grants announced Monday.

The latest round of awards totals $189 million across 80 counties.

This is the third round of funding through Gov. Eric Holcomb’s broadband grants program. The money goes to telecom companies and providers who then connect unserved communities.

Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text "Indiana" to 73224. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on statewide issues.

Holcomb said while the focus so far is those who don’t have internet, the state is also expanding its focus as the program moves forward to include those with inadequate broadband coverage.

“It’s got to do with access, it’s got to do with affordability, it’s got to do with speed,” Holcomb said.

The state portion of the money for this round of grants comes from President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan, the COVID-19 stimulus bill passed last year.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

Tags:Governor Eric Holcomb American Rescue Plan

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

The Secret Service is investigating how a gunman who shot and injured Trump was able to get so close

The U.S. Secret Service is investigating how a gunman armed with an AR-style rifle was able to get close enough to shoot and injure former President Donald Trump at his rally in Pennsylvania.

Public Affairs / July 2, 2024

GOP US Rep. Spartz, of Indiana, charged with bringing gun through airport security, officials say

Authorities say Indiana Republican U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz has been charged with bringing a firearm through airport security. Airport officials said Monday she was charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor. Spartz's office says she was traveling to Europe and mistakenly carried an unloaded handgun in the pocket of her suitcase while going through security at Washington Dulles International Airport. Spartz is a staunch Second Amendment Republican representing central Indiana. She won her primary in May after saying last year that she would retire from congress. The charge carries up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine if convicted.