West Central Indiana Awarded Nearly $2 million Toward Broadband Expansion 

West Central Indiana awarded nearly $2 million toward broadband expansion 

TERRE HAUTE– This past May, Joink submitted eleven projects to the State’s Next Level Connections (NLC) Broadband Grant Program in pursuit of providing reliable and affordable broadband services to homes across multiples counties in West Central Indiana. Today, that dream becomes a reality as the State announces the program awardees with nearly $2 million being awarded to Joink’s West Central Indiana projects.

“We are grateful for the State’s selection of our applications,” states Josh Zuerner, President and CEO of Joink. “We would not have the underground fiber optic network we have today if it wasn’t for our customers. Over the years, we have expanded one customer at a time, with each customer getting us closer to the next. It truly is our customers who have put us in a position to apply for such funds. I am appreciative of our team, our business partners and the community leaders who have supported our growth. We are proud to be a business operating in Indiana.”

Joink is a local broadband provider that is focused on the markets of West Central Indiana. This focus allows them to build deeper relationships and partnerships with the communities and customers they serve. Joink employs 80 talented individuals, with extremely diverse skills.

“It was an honor to partner with the State of Indiana on this funding effort,” states Senator Jon Ford. “The opportunities presented within these funds will provide exponential possibilities within West Central Indiana. I am grateful to represent a community of this caliber and witness strong, collaborative efforts that work to enhance the quality of life for our communities.”

Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s announcement today included $51 million for 50 broadband infrastructure expansion projects across the state as a part of the second round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program. Of those 50 projects, seven are Joink projects in West Central Indiana. Their investment will allow Joink to expand its current fiber optic network to provide speed packages up to 1 Gbps to homes and businesses in the West Central Indiana region.

“I am very pleased that rural access is and continues to be on the forefront of the State’s initiatives,” states Senator Phil Boots. “Especially now, we understand that connectivity is the foundation of education, healthcare and economic development. I am genuinely grateful for the providers like Joink who are invested in our communities, especially Parke and Vermillion Counties.”

The $100 million Next Level Broadband Grant Program is the largest single state investment in broadband. In total, rounds one and two of the programs have awarded more than $79 million for broadband infrastructure for more than 21,900 homes and commercial locations in 41 counties.

This second round of funding will provide broadband infrastructure to more than 10,590 homes and commercial locations across 32 counties. Nearly 200 of these households are included in Joink’s projects across three counties in West Central Indiana – Parke, Vermillion, and Vigo.

In addition to the $51 million awarded today, the 16 telecommunications providers and utility cooperatives contributed more than $53 million in matching funds, resulting in more than $104 million in total investment for broadband.

Statements 

“This award will enable both the City of Terre Haute and Vigo County to attract and retain economic development opportunities, employers and employees, and build upon our existing assets and enhance the quality of service and care for our city,” states Mayor Duke Bennett. “We look forward to the progress ahead.”

“As rural access becomes increasingly more imperative and connectively more essential, these funds will provide the link to further serve the broadband deserts in our area. Our partnership with the State and Joink ensures that Vigo County continues to be next level,” state Vigo County Commissions Brad Anderson, Judy Anderson, and Brendan Kearns.

About Next Level Connections 

Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program is part of Governor Holcomb’s $1 billion Next Level Connections infrastructure program, which accelerates the completion of major highway projects, expands access to rural broadband services, creates more nonstop flights and pursues the expansion of rail projects in northwest Indiana.

The Broadband Grant Program allows broadband service providers and utility cooperatives to apply for up to $5 million to expand service to unserved areas if they provide at least a 20 percent match. Unserved areas are those without at least one telecommunication provider offering at least 10 mbps download and 1 mbps upload. Proposed projects must provide a minimum level of service at actual speeds of 25 mbps download and 3 mbps upload.