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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a draft of its updated broadband map. Per the FCC, this is a “pre-production draft” that allows the public to take a close look and verify the coverage data presented for all locations across the country.

To ensure continuous improvement, the broadband map has been designed to accept challenges from consumers and other interested parties regarding any inaccuracies, as well as the ability to provide feedback on the data presented. Upon verification of coverage, individuals may submit their correction requests directly through the map’s interface.

Please follow the reference link below to check the FCC’s original announcement and video to challenge addresses as appropriate.

• The New Broadband Maps (FCC note)
• How to Submit an Availability Challenge (FCC video)
• 3 Steps to Bring Better Broadband to Indiana (Purdue University Center for Rural Engagement blog)

Round 4 Awards:

The Indiana Connectivity Program announced the fourth round of awards on Jan. 11, 2023. The fourth round of the program awarded $925,574 to expand broadband to 254 addresses across 30 counties. Of these addresses, 235 are homes and 19 are businesses. Internet providers carrying out the projects matched over $2.4 million for a total investment of over $3.3 million

To find the number of addresses funded by each provider, click here. To find the number of addresses funded in each county, click here.

For the map of the funded locations for ICP Round 4, click here.

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:

Owners of residential and business locations 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 per Mbps 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 is accepting applications.

The bidding and challenge processes must take place before awards can be made. Once made, projects must be completed within six to nine 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 per Mbps to the state.

Round 4 Timeline

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:

Resources:

• Next Level Connections Portal
• One page overview
• Indiana Connectivity Program Challenge Webinar
• Connectivity - Business Video
• Connectivity - Health Clinic 1G Video
• Connectivity - Household Video
• Connectivity - School 1G Video
• Indiana Connectivity Program Scope of Work Template
• Indiana Connectivity Program Budget Table Template
• Indiana Connectivity Program Speed Test Template
• Indiana Connectivity Program Scoring Criteria

Round 1 Awards:

The Indiana Connectivity Program announced the first round of awards on April 28, 2022. The first round of the program awarded $654,678 to expand broadband to 253 addresses across 40 counties. Of these addresses, 246 are homes and seven are businesses. Internet providers carrying out the projects matched over $1.5 million for a total investment of $2.2 million.

To find the number of addresses funded in each county, click here.

To find a map of the funded locations, click here.

Round 2 Awards:

The Indiana Connectivity Program announced the second round of awards on July 14, 2022. The second round of the program awarded $259,697 to expand broadband to 58 addresses across 19 counties. Of these addresses, 56 are homes and two are businesses. Internet providers carrying out the projects matched over $265,011 for a total investment of $524,708.

To find the number of addresses funded in each county, click here.

Round 3 Awards:

The Indiana Connectivity Program announced the third round of awards on Oct. 6, 2022. The third round of the program awarded $760,727 to expand broadband to 197 addresses across 28 counties. Of these addresses, 188 are homes and nine are businesses. Internet providers carrying out the projects matched over $1,880,770 for a total investment of $2,641,497.

To find the number of addresses funded by each provider and the number of addresses funded in each county, click here.