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Overview:
The Indiana Connectivity Program aims to connect residents and businesses that lack access to broadband internet service with service providers and assist in the expense of extending broadband to those locations.
Process:
Residential and business locations that are unserved or underserved (access to actual speeds less than 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload) can apply for consideration by entering their information into the Next Level Connections portal to initiate their interest in receiving broadband internet service.
Internet Service Providers will have the opportunity to review these locations and submit bids to the state on the cost of providing service to these locations. OCRA will evaluate these bids and make awards to the providers whose bid presents the lowest cost to the state for extension of the service.
*Inputting location information into the Next Level Connections portal does not guarantee extension of service.
*If a resident or business cannot access the online portal, the Indiana Broadband Connect Center can assist in this process. Please call 833-639-8522.
Eligibility:
Locations that currently lack broadband service or have actual broadband speeds of less than 25/3Mbps are eligible. The location can be residential or business.
Funding:
The portfolio of Next Level Connections Broadband Programs has been allocated $270 million in total. This would include the Indiana Connectivity Program.
Limits per line extension are set by Indiana Code. These limits are:
*A per line extension amount that cannot exceed $25,000.
*A per passing amount that cannot exceed $4,800.
Timeline:
The Indiana Connectivity Program and Next Level Connections online portal will open on Sept. 27, 2021.
The bidding and challenge processes must take place before awards can be made. Once made, projects must be completed within 9 months of the contract date.
- At least every three months, OCRA will publish to registered providers the addresses requesting service
- Service providers will have 10 days to notify OCRA of service availability at those locations
- Service Providers have 60 days to submit bids on locations they would like to extend service to
- OCRA will evaluate all bids within 30 days and select the provider whose bid presents the lowest cost to the state.
How to submit your information:
Indiana residents and business owners can submit their address and information through the online portal, which will be available starting Monday, Sept. 27, by phone at 833-639-8522 or by mail to the following address: