How the P3 Model Can Expand Broadband Access in Indiana

In today’s digital age, broadband is no longer a luxury but a basic utility essential for economic development, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. Despite its importance, large swaths of Indiana remain underserved, with inadequate access to high-speed internet. This lack of connectivity is a critical barrier to progress, and local governments are in a prime position to drive the expansion of broadband infrastructure. By leveraging a public-private partnership (P3) model with broadband providers, Indiana’s local governments can effectively bridge the digital divide, ensuring that all communities have the broadband access they need.

Understanding Indiana’s Broadband Gap

Despite broadband’s importance, reliable, high-speed internet remains out of reach for many across Indiana. Rural and underserved areas, in particular, face limited broadband options, leaving residents and businesses at a disadvantage. This gap stifles economic growth opportunities, restricts access to telehealth services, and limits educational resources, perpetuating inequality across the state. To address this issue, a strategic and collaborative approach is necessary, one that combines the resources of the public sector with the expertise of private industry.

Funding Solutions for Broadband Expansion in Indiana

Private broadband providers face significant challenges in delivering high-speed internet to rural areas. Extending service to these rural areas, sometimes called “last mile” regions, requires substantial resources, but low population density makes it hard to recover costs through subscriber fees. Limited competition further reduces incentives to expand or improve services in these areas due to low revenue potential. However, in the past five years, federal and state funding opportunities have emerged, offering local governments critical support for broadband initiatives.

Federal Broadband Funding

The federal government has recognized the importance of expanding broadband access, particularly in rural areas, by offering significant grant funding and loans through programs like the Federal Communications Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) and the Department of Agriculture’s ReConnect Program. The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is the latest federal initiative to address internet access gaps.

Indiana will receive $868 million from BEAD to extend high-speed internet to unserved and underserved communities across the state, targeting areas that lack reliable or affordable broadband service. This funding aims to enhance digital equity, connecting residents to essential services, education, and economic opportunities. Indiana began distributing acceptance notifications to providers in late 2024 to deploy or upgrade broadband networks.

State Broadband Funding

Indiana has also committed resources to expanding broadband access through the Indiana Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program, which funds the deployment of broadband infrastructure in underserved areas. Local governments can apply for these grants to supplement federal funding and support their broadband projects. The Indiana Broadband Office will administer grants to broadband providers through the federal BEAD program, focusing on areas where private providers previously lacked financial incentives to expand.

Best Practices for Implementing Broadband Infrastructure

Securing funding is only the first step. Successful broadband expansion requires careful planning, coordination, and execution. The following best practices can help guide local governments in effectively deploying their broadband infrastructure.

Establish a Broadband Task Force

Creating a dedicated broadband task force early in the process helps provide the leadership and oversight necessary for a successful broadband initiative. This task force should include representatives from local government, the private sector, community organizations, and other stakeholders. The task force can coordinate efforts, identify priorities, and ensure that the project stays on track.

Strengthen Partnerships With Broadband Providers

Strong collaboration with broadband providers is essential. Local governments should establish open lines of communication with internet service providers to understand their capabilities, challenges, and plans for expansion. By working closely with providers, local governments can help facilitate the deployment of infrastructure and ensure that efforts are aligned with community needs.

Manage the Release of Matching Funds

Local governments should establish clear procedures for the release of matching funds to ensure efficient, effective use. This may involve setting milestones for project completion and tying the release of funds to the achievement of specific goals.

Use Heat Maps To Prioritize Broadband Deployment

To prioritize efforts and resources, local governments should develop a heat map of addresses where residents and businesses are seeking broadband connections. This data-driven approach, which should utilize the Indiana Broadband Map, allows for targeted deployment of infrastructure, ensuring that the areas with the greatest need are addressed first. A heat map also provides valuable insights for providers, helping them to plan their expansion efforts more effectively.

Monitor Broadband Progress and Adapt Strategies

Effective broadband expansion requires ongoing evaluation and adaptability. Local governments should establish clear milestones and key performance indicators to track the progress and measure impact. Regular feedback from residents and businesses helps ensure projects meet community needs and identify areas for improvement. Flexibility is also key – plans may need to be adjusted as funding availability, market conditions, or technological advancements evolve. By continuously monitoring progress and remaining responsive to changing circumstances, local governments can ensure their broadband initiatives deliver lasting benefits to their communities.

Building Indiana’s Future With High-Speed Broadband

Expanding broadband access is more than a technological upgrade – it is an investment in the state’s future. By embracing a P3 model, leveraging federal and state funding, and implementing best practices, local governments have a unique opportunity to transform their communities. Broadband is no longer optional; it is a necessity. Now is the time for local governments to take proactive steps to bridge the digital divide and build a more connected and prosperous future for all Hoosiers.

Do you need help developing or implementing your community’s broadband infrastructure? KSM’s government consulting team can help. Contact us to learn how we streamline the process and help build a robust foundation for your community’s future growth.