INDIANAPOLIS – Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, the Indiana Broadband Office (IBO) and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced Kosciusko County as the newest Broadband Ready Community.
“Congratulations to Kosciusko County on this momentous occasion,” said Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Today, Kosciusko County leadership is being recognized for taking a pivotal step towards broadband readiness, and I am honored to witness this commitment to your community.”
The Broadband Ready Communities Program was created as a tool to encourage broadband development throughout Indiana, according to a provided news release. 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.
The certification was approved by the IBO and OCRA following Kosciusko County’s adoption of Broadband Ready Community ordinances.
“Our goal in becoming a broadband ready community is to attract broadband providers to our communities, welcome more investment to increase access and affordability of high-speed internet and maintain the connectivity that is necessary in our day-to-day lives for everything from social interactions, education, to business," said Kosciusko County Commissioner Brad Jackson.
Earnie Holtrey, deputy director at the Indiana Broadband Office, congratulated the new Broadband Ready Community for their dedicated efforts in expanding accessibility to broadband.
“IBO is thrilled to collaborate with Kosciusko County and welcome them to the growing list of Broadband Ready Communities across the state. Kosciusko County exemplifies prioritizing connection and quality of life throughout their community,” he said.
To date, 86 communities across the state are BBRC.
“Congratulations Kosciusko County leadership and residents on being recognized as a BBRC. It is a great honor to be able to recognize this achievement for IBO, OCRA and most importantly, the community,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner.
Via 2020 legislation, the Broadband Ready Community Program was transitioned from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to the OCRA. IBO began administering the BBRC program for OCRA, who operates under the office of the lieutenant governor. For more information, visit in.gov/indianabroadband.
The IBO mission is to assist residents in need of affordable and reliable broadband connectivity. This mission of reaching Hoosiers where they live, work and play is accomplished by communicating with stakeholders, providing resources to a diverse audience, and leveraging established relationships with elected officials, associations and providers, the release states. For more information, visit in.gov/broadband.