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Senator Eric Koch's FIBRE Act Headed To Governor's Desk

Last updated on Friday, April 28, 2017

(STATEHOUSE) - A bill promoting the expansion of high-speed Broadband Internet service in rural areas of Indiana authored by State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) passed the Indiana General Assembly.

Senate Enrolled Act 478, the Facilitating Internet Broadband Rural Expansion (FIBRE) Act, would allow Indiana's rural electric cooperatives (REMCs) to provide high-speed Internet service to their members by permitting them to install fiber optic cables on their existing infrastructure over electric easements.

"In the 15 years that I have been working to promote rural Broadband in Indiana, this initiative has the most potential to fill the gaps in the unserved and underserved areas of our state," said Koch. "Almost by definition, the areas served by our rural electric co-ops are those most unserved with high-speed Internet service."

"Internet access has become essential to the American way of life. Similar to 80 years ago when most rural Hoosiers lived without electricity, much of rural Indiana still lacks quality internet options," said Scott Bowers, Vice President of Government Relations for Indiana Electric Cooperatives. "With Sen. Koch's leadership, this legislation is an important step in removing barriers hindering the expansion and availability of this vital service."

SEA 478 will now be sent to Gov. Eric Holcomb for final consideration.

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