May Newsletter Updates
As you may know, the Indiana Broadband Office (IBO) has preliminarily awarded Round 1 subgrantees of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, with over 90,000 locations, or about 70% of eligible locations covered. With these awards, the IBO has allocated just 40% of its total BEAD dollars, with 60% still available for the next round.
After having many productive conversations and receiving valuable feedback from internet service providers, our office is now completing the development of the Round 2 project areas.
But we now want YOUR help! We have the opportunity to remediate some locations that are not able to be serviced by broadband. For example, we have found that a barn that does not need broadband service is still designated as an eligible Broadband Service Location (BSL) on the Indiana map.
What do you need to do? If you are aware of a BSL in your territory that is non-serviceable, please let us know! |
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Where was the IBO this month?
Chief Broadband Officer Steve Cox presented our grant programs at the 2025 Midwest Broadband Operators Conference this month.
Hosted by National Broadband Coop, the event brought together leading industry leaders, experts, and regional governmental officials to discuss the status of broadband deployment in the Midwest and around the U.S.
Speakers covered a range of topics, from the latest trends and technologies to the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
Steve joined a panel with Steve Coran, Attorney at Lerman Senter PLLC and Steven Schwerbel, Director of State Advocacy at WISPA.
New Legislation: Attachments to Utility Poles
This legislative session, the Indiana General Assembly passed a new law related to broadband expansion in Indiana.
This law establishes a comprehensive framework for managing utility pole attachments. It focuses on streamlining the process for communications service providers seeking to install equipment on electric distribution poles.
The law goes into effect July 1, 2025.
Staff Spotlight: Devan Penn
"After starting my career in the newspaper industry, I have now been an Indiana state government employee for 10 years, working in communications.
After starting my new role about two months ago, I have found myself enjoying coming to work each day, knowing that I am making a difference in Hoosiers' lives. I love collaborating with my colleagues, and each day is so exceptionally different and interesting.
Outside of the office, I enjoy exploring Indiana with my husband, including fishing, hiking and finding the best places to eat."
Indiana Connectivity Program/Next Level Connections
Round 3 final reporting and project closeout continues in the Next Level Connections program, and the team is addressing any remaining tasks and documentation.
The Round 14 closing date of the Indiana Connectivity Program is June 2, 2025. The team is ensuring all necessary submissions and evaluations are completed on time, and are continuing to conduct ongoing maintenance to streamline operations and support successful implementation.