Earlier this year, State Senator Mark Messmer of Jasper wrote about Senate Bill 460, legislation he authored that would improve rural broadband in Indiana by ensuring communications service providers are treated the same as public utilities when it comes to accessing the right-of-way. Giving broadband companies this ability will greatly reduce the installation cost of deploying broadband.
As SB 460 moved through the legislative process, Messmer has continued to work to improve the bill. As the bill worked its way through the House, he discussed with the House Utilities Chairman, about amending another bill he filed this year, Senate Bill 461, into SB 460.
The Senate’s budget proposal would put $75 million into this Rural Broadband Grant Fund. These grants would become available after July 1, when the next budget cycle begins.
Messmer stresses that broadband internet in rural areas is not only crucial for adults working in business or to even pay bills, but also for the children who are needing to complete homework in an online age…
As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns at Senator.Messmer@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467.
