The Indiana Broadband Office (IBO) has designated five new Broadband Ready Communities. Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, IBO, and the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced Ohio and Dearborn Counties, the Town of Moore’s Hill, the Town of Dillsboro, and the City of Rising Sun as the state’s newest Broadband Ready Communities.
“Communities like these are exemplary in broadband readiness, especially paired with their collaborative approach,” said Crouch, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Ohio and Dearborn Counties, the Town of Moore’s Hill, the Town of Dillsboro and the City of Rising Sun have all taken a critical step to invest in and prioritize quality-of-life through broadband expansion. Congratulations to all the local leaders and residents. This is an impressive accomplishment for each community.”
In a press release, the IBO explained that the Broadband Ready Communities (BBRC) Program was created as a tool to encourage broadband development throughout the state. According to IBO, 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.” To date, 82 communities across the state are now classified as BBRC.
“Communities who come together and embark upon bettering their communities in tandem with one another are impacting the lives of Hoosiers in great ways,” said Earnie Holtrey, deputy director at the Indiana Broadband Office. “This is an incredible example for our BBRC program. Congratulations!”
The five new communities were approved for certification after they adopted the Broadband Ready Community ordinances.
“In becoming Broadband Ready Communities, Dearborn County, Ohio County, the City of Rising Sun, the Town of Dillsboro, and the Town of Moore’s Hill, have all taken steps to reduce barriers to broadband infrastructure investment. Reducing the regulatory hurdles that deter investment is a key step towards .creating an environment ripe for broadband investment to help all our homes and business get connected,” said leadership from each community in a joint comment.
