On Thursday, Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced $22.1 million in funding for 11 broadband expansion infrastructure projects across the state as a part of the initial round of the Next Level Broadband program. This funding will provide broadband infrastructure to more than 4,800 homes and commercial locations in 12 counties. The $100 million Next Level Broadband program is the largest single state investment in broadband. For the initial round of funding, service providers could apply for up to $5 million per project to expand service to unserved areas if they provided at least a 20 percent match. Unserved areas are those without at least one telecommunication provider offering internet fast enough to provide the most basic services – at least 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload. In addition to the $22.1 million awarded through Next Level Broadband, the seven telecommunications providers and utility cooperatives contributed $14 million in matching funds, resulting in $36.1 million total investment for broadband. Gov. Holcomb asked Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, along with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, to oversee the application program. For more information on the selected proposals, visit ocra.in.gov/nlc.htm