The Broadband Ready Community certification sends a signal to the telecommunication industry that a community has taken steps to reduce barriers to broadband infrastructure investment. While investment in broadband infrastructure is not guaranteed to follow once a community obtains the certification, reducing the regulatory hurdles that deter investment is a key step towards creating an environment ripe for broadband investment.
A local unit of government will be certified as a Broadband Ready Community if it has established a broadband deployment procedure that complies with the statutory requirements listed in IC 5-28-28.5-7.
Eligibility & Process
Any community in Indiana pursuing improved broadband access is eligible for the Broadband Ready Community certification and may apply.
The Indiana Broadband Office will certify a unit as a Broadband Ready Community if it meets the following requirements:
- Complete an application
- Upload any supporting documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with the eight (8) statutory requirements under IC 5-28-28.5-7.
Minimum Statutory Requirements
In order to comply with statutory requirements, a unit seeking the Broadband Ready Community certification must institute procedures that provide for:
- The appointment of a single point of contact for all matters related to broadband development projects
- The establishment of procedures to allow for the electronic submission of all forms, applications, and documentation required for a broadband development project
- A requirement that all permit applications are approved or denied within 10 business days after they are filed
- An assurance that all inspections related to a broadband project will be completed in a timely and expeditious manner
These procedures must also prohibit the unit from:
- Requiring the designation of a final contractor to complete a broadband project
- Imposing a fee to review an application or to issue a permit on a broadband project
- Imposing a seasonal moratorium on the issuance of permits for a project
- Discriminating among communications service providers
How to Apply
Use the link below to submit your application. If you have questions please contact the Indiana Broadband Office at IndianaBroadband@iot.IN.gov
Model Ordinance/Resolution
One way a unit can comply with the requirements of state law is to pass a resolution or ordinance establishing permit procedures.
The State of Indiana, in collaboration with the telecommunications industry and local government representatives, has created a model ordinance to assist communities in this effort. The model ordinance satisfies the minimum requirements under IC 5-28-28.5-7.|
To view sample or specific Broadband Ready Community Ordinances, please contact Amanda O'Daniel at amodaniel@iot.IN.gov.
Broadband Development Resources
The following websites are helpful resources for communities and telecommunications companies seeking to develop broadband infrastructure in Indiana: