State receives ore than $600M in broadband grant requests

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — Indiana’s Next Level Connections Broadband Grant program has received more than $606 million in requests for state funding in the third round of the program. The governor’s office says the requests represent 250 projects from organizations seeking funding to help boost broadband internet service throughout the state.

“This is a strong testament to not only the need for broadband but also the growing confidence in this nation-leading program to deliver broadband to every Hoosier in the state,” said Governor Eric Holcomb.

The requests came from 48 internet service providers covering more than 140,000 homes, businesses and other locations.

Service providers can apply for up to $5 million per project to expand service to unserved and underserved areas in communities around the state. Applicants must contribute at least a 20% match to receive grant funds.

Decisions about how much can be awarded and to which projects are expected in the spring of 2022.