Spectrum announced Wednesday it has been awarded $24.1 million in Indiana Next Level Connections Grants to bring gigabit high-speed internet access to approximately 5,422 unserved homes and small businesses in Indiana.
The company received the largest number of round three grants, and is working through other similar programs to expand fiber-optic broadband infrastructure to areas of the state that currently lack access to high-speed connections.
Reportedly, Spectrum plans to invest money to expand its broadband services within western portions of Hamilton County, with plans to build to a significant number of homes throughout the rest of the county in the coming years.
Spectrum has committed to invest more than $20 million to extend its broadband network. Overall, Spectrum was awarded $24.1 million in the third round of the Indiana Next Level Connections grants, which will help connect more than 5,420 homes and small businesses in 18 Indiana counties.
Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch said this is an important step to get essential broadband service to rural and unserved parts of the state.
“The Next Level Connections program is helping bring high-speed connectivity to unserved Hoosiers across the state,” Crouch said. “Charter is already expanding its network here in Indiana and bringing high-speed internet to more families and small businesses that need reliable access to connect, learn, work and access essential services. We’re thankful for their continued partnership.”
The Indiana Next Level Connections grants build upon Spectrum’s capability as one of Indiana’s largest provider of broadband service to rural Indiana, and Spectrum employs more than 450 state residents.
“Public-private partnerships are a vital strategy for connecting unserved communities,” said Tom Yates, Vice President, Construction FO Rural Build. “Through Indiana Next Level Connections, Spectrum will join with Indiana to bring gigabit broadband and more to thousands of families and small businesses – leveraging our capability as the state’s largest broadband provider to further close the digital divide.”