Crouch, Indiana Broadband Office Designate Union County a Broadband Ready Community

Today, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Broadband Office announced that Union 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 continues to advocate on behalf of communities to have reliable, highspeed and affordable connectivity for underserved and unserved Hoosiers,” Crouch said. “Leaders in Union County have already taken steps to expand internet opportunities to residents by installing hotspots at the courthouse around downtown Liberty. We are energized by the many cities, counties and towns throughout the state collaborating on behalf of their citizens. Congratulations to Union County as it joins the list of certified Broadband Ready Communities! We applaud your continued efforts to encourage broadband investments to the area.”

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

“The Union County Commissioners are pleased to announce that we are a Certified Broadband Ready Community. A 21st century economy demands that this aspect of infrastructure be firmly in place in order to promote development and to aid quality of place. In short, it says that Union County is open for business, and prepares us to compete on a level playing field. Once Charter Communications completes their work, Union County will have 90% broadband coverage. That in conjunction with our low crime rate, highly rank school system and low county taxes makes Union County a very attractive community to call home,” stated Tim Williams, President of the Union County Board of Commissioners.

Earnie Holtrey, Project Manager at the Indiana Broadband Office, explained how 2022 has been an exciting year for Broadband Ready Communities.

“It’s always an exciting day for our offices and the entire state when communities take the steps forward to become Broadband Ready,” Holtrey said. “Today is one of those days as we congratulate Union County’s designation. Your work is recognized.”

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.