What We Do
The Indiana Broadband Office (IBO) is a one-stop-shop for all things broadband and working everyday towards affordable broadband coverage for all Hoosiers. But how do we get this done?
The IBO partners with individuals, other units of government, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to understand the different broadband needs across the state. These partnerships lead to lasting connections that help identify when and where aid is needed.
We are currently administering the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) federal program.
BEAD prioritizes unserved locations that have no internet access or limited access under 25/3 Mbps and underserved locations that only have access under 100/20 Mbps. Indiana was awarded an allocation of $868 million in BEAD funds to ensure that every Indiana resident has access to high-speed, reliable, affordable broadband access. This program required the IBO to write a 5 Year Plan and two Volumes of an Initial Proposal to determine exactly how BEAD funds will be spent in the state. The office is now overseeing the Challenge, Rebuttal and Selection Processes to ensure the funds will be awarded in a way that maximizes coverage across the state.
The Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion.
Indiana already received the State Digital Equity Planning Grant which funded the state’s first Digital Equity Plan. The next grant the IBO will administer is the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This will build upon the connectivity efforts of BEAD to further programs that connect Hoosiers with reliable service, devices, and digital literacy programs. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is expected to come out later this year that will grant Indiana it’s funding allocation to implement its Digital Equity Plan.
Aside from administering two federal grant programs, the IBO would like to be the hub for broadband resources in Indiana. We recognize that different residents of our state have different barriers to service. The broadband landscape in Indiana is complex, and Hoosiers might not always know what federal, state, or private resources are available to them. By putting all resources in one place, we hope to facilitate greater adoption of pre-existing programs.
Connecting Every Corner of the State
The movement of information and data has become critical in the digital age. It is this high-speed, reliable, and affordable connectivity that enhances community development, enables businesses to grow and equips Hoosiers with the necessary tools. Broadband has become an important part of quality of life, emphasizing convenience and connectivity to family and friends.
Our Partners
The IBO is committed to working with our state partners in pursuit of its mission.
