Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch announced that the Indiana Broadband Map now reflects the most recent data available, which will create a better understanding of the broadband landscape in the state.
“Broadband impacts our lives in a number of different ways — education, workforce, healthcare, economic development and quality of life,” Crouch said. “It is imperative we have affordable and accessible high-speed broadband in all of our communities. Having an updated statewide map that show areas we are lacking will better shape appropriate policies to address additional broadband investments.”
In 2009, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration awarded federal grants to Indiana to create the Indiana Broadband Map. Up until 2014, the funds were used to create a map that provided detailed information on where broadband was provided, at what speeds, in what fashion and by which providers.
The federal funding ended in 2014, and seeing a lack of updated information, Crouch along with the Indiana Office of Technology have utilized data from the Federal Communications Commission and updated the map.
“Having sufficient broadband speeds for rural Indiana and the Hoosiers that call it home is a part of Governor Eric Holcomb and my Next Level Agenda,” Crouch said. “Our agencies, and the new Director of Broadband Opportunities will be able to utilize this map to identify what areas are unserved and under-served so those communities are not left behind.”
Crouch said that an up-to-date map will help guide policymakers when they are looking at initiatives aimed at improving the lack of affordable high-speed broadband in rural areas.
Revisions to the map will continually be made to improve functionality. To view the map visit www.indianabroadbandmap.com.
Source: Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch’s Office