Connecting Indiana: Five Year Action Plan

Indiana is diligently working to expand broadband access across the entire state, recognizing its vital role in economic development, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. The following plan outlines the vision, goals, and objectives supported by an impressive $868,109,929.79 investment in broadband, the largest in Indiana's history. Indiana actively seeks and leverages federal funding opportunities to support broadband expansion, including the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Indiana's areas of focus include the following:

• Enabling robust broadband access for Hoosiers is an imperative priority, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges faced in rural areas, where the close ties to agriculture create unique obstacles.

• Community participation is crucial and will influence all aspects of broadband deployments. Feedback and preparation will be incorporated at every phase of the BEAD deployment.

• Workforce considerations play a pivotal role throughout every stage of broadband deployment, encompassing initial infrastructure development, collaboration with third-party entities that control essential assets, and the ongoing maintenance and operation of the network.

• Digital equity and literacy must be addressed comprehensively across Indiana, spanning from promoting equal access to technology and connectivity to empowering individuals with the necessary digital skills for full participation in the digital age.