Indiana Broadband Office

The IBO is pleased to announce that Indiana was awarded $15 million to implement its Digital Equity Plan. The funding comes from the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program through the NTIA.   Read the full press release here: https://lnkd.in/g_zyGXKq

Chief Broadband Officer Steve Cox and Deputy Broadband Program Director Latasha Hayes shared recent developments from the IBO during a panel discussion at the Indiana Digital Government Summit.

Last week, Chief Broadband Officer Steve Cox presented to the Interim Study Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications about IBO programming and our work to increase connectivity across Indiana.

Come join us and the SBA Indiana District Office on Wednesday, November 13th for a webinar about the BEAD program. More information and registration can found below. ISPs and high-speed internet contractors are highly encouraged to atttend.

Last week members of the IBO’s Digital Equity Team attended a laptop giveaway hosted by the Indianapolis Urban League and Human-I-T. We are excited to see efforts like this in motion to help bridge Indiana’s digital divide.

Last week Chief Broadband Officer Steve Cox gave a presentation on BEAD at I-Light’s 2024 Members Meeting. I-Light is a network of universities across Indiana offering broadband resources and connections.

This week marks Digital Inclusivity Week across the country. It is important to acknowledge the role digital inclusion will play in the future as we help ensure underserved populations are able to access vital technologies.

The Office of Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and OCRA today announced 326 addresses will gain access to high-speed broadband as a result of nearly $1.5 million awarded in the 11th round of the Indiana Connectivity Program. The program accepts addresses on a rolling basis. Hoosiers and business owners lacking internet connectivity can communicate their interest by entering their address and information into the Next Level Connections portal at in.gov/ocra/broadband. To read the full release, visit https://lnkd.in/g5cC_mRQ.

Kevin Nichols, one of IBO's Digital Equity Advisors, travelled to Arlington, VA last week for the SHLB Coalition’s AnchorNETS Conference. Attendees heard from representatives from the National Telecommunications & Information Administration, the American Library Association, and more. Presenters included government and nonprofit leaders who shared information on digital equity efforts happening in communities across the country.

Today is the final day for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to apply for BEAD Pre-Qualification. The deadline is tonight at 11:59 PM. Visit the IBO website for more information and resources: https://lnkd.in/gRK5biaB