News

Broadband plan to increase access to rural Indiana

Rural broadband connectivity in Indiana is getting a much needed boost.  Earlier this week Governor Mike Pence announced that the state will lease its communications infrastructure to Ohio-based Agile Networks and will expand rural and agricultural broadband solutions.

Indiana’s Director of Agriculture Ted McKinney says access to reliable, high-speed broadband is key for agriculture to succeed.  “It’s farmers on tractors that are now tied to satellites – whether it is global positioning or data from the planter going to machinery companies,” he says.  “It’s equipment on combines where you really want to be dialed in to a base computer opposed to being off-line.”

He tells Brownfield – the agreement will allow Agile Networks to enhance broadband service through the company’s open access model giving carriers and providers the ability to enter more rural markets.

In addition to increasing access to broadband in rural communities, the 260-million-dollar deal will also help fund the state’s bicentennial projects.

AUDIO: Ted McKinney, ISDA