Indiana is receiving close to $870 million for broadband
– how much your county gets is up to you
A huge investment is underway to make sure rural and underserved communities have equal access to broadband. Where the money goes will be based on data collected. We need as many people as possible to submit information about their internet in order for Knox County to get the most funds possible. You may have completed similar speed tests over the past year or two – but this is the one that will determine where the most need is and where the money will go. Here’s what to do to make sure your location is counted:
- If you do not have internet, call 463-946-4699 or email IndianaBroadband@iot.IN.gov with your name, address, and contact number.
- If you do have internet of any kind (excluding cell data):
- Visit https://connectingindiana.com/ to submit a speed test
- Make sure you are connected to your home (or business) internet and not to cellular data.
- It is important to do this multiple times at different times of the day
- Visit https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov, enter your address and look to see which internet providers are listed as available for your address
- Make sure the “fixed broadband” tab is selected
- If your address comes up at the wrong spot, click on the dot that is closest to the address pin and verify that it is the correct address. If it is not, click location challenge on the right
- If your provider availability list is incorrect, click availability challenge on the right
A couple of important notes:
- If your tested internet speed is less than 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload (aka 100/20) you are considered underserved
- If your only internet option is satellite – you are considered unserved.
- If you have dedicated wireless (not cell phone data) that is considered served.
- This is not for cellular data. However, you can follow step 2 above and select the “mobile broadband” tab to see which services are listed as available for your address.
For step by step instructions with screen shots visit: https://pcrd.purdue.edu/3-steps-to-bring-better-broadband-to-indiana
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO INTERNET OR YOUR SPEED IS LESS THAN 100/20, you should also visit https://www.in.gov/ocra/broadband/icp/ and click at the top where it says “click here to register” This will allow you to call special attention to your address. If you don’t know all the questions, that is ok. What is most important is your name, phone number, physical address, email address if you have one, and county. The rest can be left blank if you don’t know the answer.
Financial assistance is available to those within certain income levels. Visit https://www.fcc.gov/acp to learn more and apply for assistance.
To download this information, click here: county/knox/2023/12/broadband-announcement.docx