Press Release from the Office of Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE




Aug. 16, 2021





Lt. Gov. Crouch, Congresswoman Spartz lead discussions on broadband access and the rural digital divide

*ATLANTA, Ind. (Aug. 16, 2021) --?*Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, alongside the Indiana Broadband Office and other local and industry stakeholders were joined today by Congresswoman Victoria Spartz for an informative roundtable discussion on the current initiatives and broadband landscape of Central Indiana.

Understanding broadband?s ever-increasing importance, topics centered around closing the digital divide, specifically in rural communities, and how doing so would allow underserved and unserved populations the same opportunities within areas of connectivity. Broadband in agriculture was discussed, and how the technologies used in feeding citizens can be exponentially more efficient with broadband capabilities. Participants also discussed how many of the barriers surrounding economic development can be lessened by closing the rural digital divide. The conversation referenced a study conducted by the Purdue Center for Regional Development that estimated Indiana could gain nearly $12 billion in economic benefits over 20 years if broadband were deployed in the rural areas of the state.

?It is becoming increasingly more evident that fast, reliable internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity of modern life,? Crouch said. ?Service providers are taking significant steps to advance the availability and accessibility of affordable and reliable high-speed internet in their communities. It is exciting to hear the stories about how their efforts are improving the quality of life for Hoosiers.?

Crouch also discussed the Next Level Connection Broadband Grant Program, designed to provide funds for deploying broadband infrastructure to provide eligible broadband service to underserved end-users, including households, businesses and community anchor institutions. Indiana plans to ?invest $270 million toward improving broadband access and adoption in the state through this ?and other programs. Scott Rudd, Executive Director of the Indiana Broadband Office discussed the Broadband Ready Communities Program, created as a tool to encourage broadband development throughout Indiana by serving as an informative resource and certifying local communities as being ?broadband ready.?

?High speed internet access is critical to the 21st century economy and innovation,? said Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.). ?I commend Lt. Governor Crouch for her leadership on this issue and appreciate all of the stakeholders who joined us today at Beck?s Hybrids to share their ideas on empowering rural Indiana.?

Those in attendance were able to share their challenges, accomplishments, investments and hopes for their industries. Overall, stories of success, partnerships and how to work together lined the conversations, ultimately leading to continued connections that advance the conversations.

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Lt Gov Crouch with Rep Spartz broadband discussion

*Photo Caption:?*Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Congresswoman Victoria Spartz host a discussion on broadband access Monday, Aug. 17, 2021, at Beck's Hybrids in Atlanta, Ind. Participants discussed current initiatives and the broadband landscape of Central Indiana.

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"The Lieutenant Governor constitutionally serves as the President of the Indiana Senate, serves "" "as the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development, chairs the Indiana Intellectual" "and Developmental Disabilities Task Force and oversees four state agencies. ""

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