Local Counties Receive Rural Broadband Funding From FCC

Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 9:53 AM

By Congressman Greg Pence (R-IN-06), news release

Congressman Greg Pence says $169 million will be spread across18 counties to improve access to high-speed internet service.

Shutterstock photo.

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Congressman Greg Pence (IN-06) announced today that Indiana will be the recipient of $169 million to improve access to high-speed internet service through the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction. The announcement today came via the Federal Communication Commission.

Counties in Indiana’s Sixth District to receive the funding: Delaware, Randolph, Henry, Wayne, Hancock, Fayette, Union, Franklin, Shelby, Bartholomew, Decatur, Jennings, Ripley, Dearborn, Ohio, Switzerland, Jefferson and Scott.

“Without access to reliable, affordable telecommunications services, entire communities are being left behind. Hoosiers living in rural areas of Indiana’s 6th District are disproportionally impacted by the economic distress caused by COVID-19, and need access to rural broadband to work and learn from home,” said Congressman Pence. “Access to safe, modern, and efficient infrastructure impacts nearly every rural community and industry in the nation, from agriculture to health care and medicine. Connecting our rural communities is one of my top priorities, and with this funding from the FCC, we are one step closer to closing the digital divide.”

Pence urged Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to include robust support for rural communities in Indiana’s Sixth District and across the nation as legislation to address the Coronavirus pandemic is considered.

Pence has consistently fought for and supported measures to improve rural technology in his district and across the nation, advocating for America’s rural communities and introducing legislation to improve broadband access. To address the infrastructure needs of rural residents, Pence urged support for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Electric Program in both the Fiscal Year 2020 and 2021 federal spending packages.