Blackford County gets broadband designation

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Broadband Office announced this week that Blackford County is now designated as an official Broadband Ready Community. The Broadband Ready Communities Program was created as a tool to encourage broadband development throughout Indiana.

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.

“Our administration remains focused on bringing high-speed, reliable internet service to unserved and underserved Hoosiers,” Crouch said. “Congratulations to Blackford County as it joins the more than 50 other Indiana communities that are now broadband ready. This designation could help further attract broadband investment, either through the private sector or potentially through our Next Level Connections Broadband Grant program.”

The certification was approved by the Indiana Broadband Office following the Blackford County Commissioners adoption of a Broadband Ready Community ordinance.

“Blackford County is very excited to become a Broadband Ready Community. We have been working to find solutions for the county’s broadband issues for over five years. Becoming a Broadband Community fits in our comprehensive plan and our long-term goals and making Blackford County the best possible place it can be to live and work in. We want to thank the Indiana Broadband Office for supporting our efforts to bring quality broadband to all rural Indiana,” said Blackford County Commissioner John Oxley.

According to Scott Rudd, Director of the Indiana Broadband Office, 2021 has been a record year for community applications to the Broadband Ready Community program.

“On this special day, we celebrate with Blackford County leadership and the residents they serve. We commend them for recognizing the importance of affordable and reliable broadband access to all,” Rudd said.

Via 2020 legislation, the Broadband Ready Community Program was transitioned from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) to the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). IBO began the day-to-day management of the Broadband Ready Community Program on July 1, 2020.  For more information, visit in.gov/indianabroadband.

Under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, who also serves as the Secretary of Rural Development, the Indiana Broadband Office (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.

For more information, visit in.gov/broadband.