More Hoosiers in south central Indiana, are gaining access to high-speed internet thanks to recently enacted legislation, according to a news release from state District 44 Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford.

Following legislation passed by the General Assembly, Senate District 44 has seen a total investment of more than $27.5 million in rural broadband infrastructure and nearly $560 million has been invested in rural broadband around the state.

“High-speed internet is a must in our increasingly digital economy,” Koch said in the news release. “Hoosiers in rural areas need this service so they can access educational programs, run their farms and businesses more efficiently and take advantage of the many other opportunities that are available online.”

The Next Level Connections program, which aims to improve access to high-quality and reliable fixed terrestrial (excluding satellite) broadband throughout rural and underserved areas, provided $5,792,446 to benefit Jackson and Monroe counties during the first round of funding; $4,229,428 to benefit Lawrence, Orange and Washington counties during the second round of funding; and $17,473,223 to benefit Brown, Jackson, Lawrence and Orange counties, as well as other surrounding counties, during the third round of funding.

“Getting the actual infrastructure for broadband built in rural areas is risky because it can cost prohibitive for private companies,” Koch said. “That’s where grant funding can help reduce some of those risks and ensure rural Hoosiers are not left without service.”

The Indiana Connectivity Program, which seeks to connect residents and businesses without broadband internet access to service providers and help extend broadband to those locations at reduced costs has provided a total investment of $33,384 benefitting Brown County, $4,915 benefitting Jackson County, $12,500 benefitting Lawrence County, $4,896 benefitting Monroe County and at least $4,800 benefitting Orange County.

“Broadband is necessary to ensure rural areas are able to compete economically as Indiana continues to develop in years to come,” Koch said. “My colleagues and I in the General Assembly will continue to work to bring the benefits of the digital economy to rural Indiana.”

Koch has either authored, co-authored or sponsored several bills in the past five years that dealt with funding for broadband projects.

Senate Enrolled Act 460 (2019) required the Office of Community and Rural Development (OCRA) to create a process for awarding grants to eligible broadband service providers from the Rural Broadband Fund after July 2019.

Senate Enrolled Act 352 (2021) mandated a new process for requesting rural broadband fund grants, including letters of intent and challenges.

Senate Enrolled Act 377 (2021) created the Indiana Broadband Connectivity Program to expand internet connectivity. It includes a public portal for reporting lack of internet access, grants for providers, and an annual report.

House Enrolled Act 1449 (2021) expanded the definition of an “eligible broadband project” to include projects for deployment of broadband infrastructure to public school buildings, rural health clinics and rural areas in Indiana. It sets priorities for awarding grants from the Rural Broadband Fund and establishes a program to expand broadband connectivity by entering into agreements with broadband service providers.

House Enrolled Act 1277 (2024) modified the Indiana statute governing broadband project grants. It requires the Indiana Broadband Office to comply with federal guidelines, including the review of subgrants and final proposal submissions when administering the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

Koch, chairman of the Senate Committee on Utilities, holds a graduate certificate in energy policy planning from the University of Idaho. He serves as a member of the energy supply task force of the National Conference of State Legislatures and as a member of the Executive Committee of the National Council on Electricity Policy. He was a member of the Federal Communications Commission’s Consumer Advisory Committee. Koch also serves as a ranking member of the Senate committees on Commerce and Technology and Judiciary and as a member of the Senate Committee on Corrections and Criminal Law.

Koch may be reached online at IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Koch or by phone at 800-382-9467.