INDIANA– The Indiana Broadband Office (IBO) announced today the 16th round of awards through the Indiana Connectivity Program (ICP), totaling $620,503 in new investment to expand high-speed internet access across the state.
This latest funding round will bring reliable broadband to 172 addresses across 42 Indiana counties, including 165 residential homes and seven businesses. Since its inception, the ICP has allocated over $14 million to connect more than 3,000 underserved locations.
“Our goal in Indiana is to ensure every Hoosier family and business has access to reliable broadband service,” said Governor Mike Braun. “This successful program bridges the digital divide for rural families and businesses that lack the reliable internet needed for work, healthcare, and education.”
Local Impact: Brown, Washington, and Scott Counties
The 16th round of funding includes specific investments for several Southern Indiana counties. According to data provided by the IBO, broadband providers in these counties will receive grants to extend service to residents who previously lacked high-speed options.
Below is a breakdown of the funding and addresses awarded for the requested local counties:
| County | Grant Amount | Provider Match | Total Addresses Funded |
| Brown | $8,256 | $682 | 3 |
| Washington | $14,400 | $4,158 | 3 |
| Scott | $4,800 | $0 | 1 |
To find the number of addresses funded by each provider, in each county, visit the website here.
How the Program Works
The Indiana Connectivity Program is unique in that it is driven by residents and small business owners. Rather than providers choosing where to build, the state allows unserved Hoosiers to “raise their hand” by entering their address into the Indiana Broadband Portal.
Every three months, the IBO shares these registered addresses with internet service providers (ISPs). Providers then bid for the opportunity to extend their service to those locations, with the state covering a portion of the construction costs. Once a contract is signed, providers have nine months to complete the project.
The ICP is part of a broader state initiative to ensure 100% connectivity. By assisting providers with the “last mile” expenses of extending service to remote areas, the state aims to make rural living more viable for modern work-from-home and telehealth needs.
Home or business owners who currently lack reliable internet are encouraged to register their addresses in the portal to be considered for future rounds of funding.
