The 15th round of the Indiana Connectivity Program distributed more than $650,000 in grants to expand reliable broadband access to 149 homes and seven businesses across 30 counties. The awards, announced last week by the Indiana Broadband Office, push the total state investment for the program above $1.7 million.
In addition to state funds, participating internet service providers contributed more than $1.1 million in matching funds. The program notes that the combined investment reflects a strong public-private effort to close broadband gaps in rural and underserved areas.
Mulberry Telecommunications received the largest individual grant, with the award exceeding $300,000 to connect 64 addresses. The round’s website highlights this project as a centerpiece of the 15th round.
Projects awarded in Round 15 must be completed within nine months of the contract date. The Indiana Broadband Office points to the round as part of a broader initiative that has already allocated more than $14 million to providers to date.
Governor Mike Braun said, “Broadband connects people to opportunity,” emphasizing how reliable internet can support farming modernization, remote schooling, telehealth, and small business growth. Indiana’s Chief Broadband Officer, Steve Cox, stressed the program’s ongoing importance in bringing connectivity to rural communities, and applications remain open through the Next Level Connections portal for underserved homes and businesses.
