Howard County receives broadband ready designation

KOKOMO, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — More than half of Indiana’s counties are now considered “broadband ready” with Howard County becoming one of the latest to receive the designation. The Indiana Broadband Office says the county has removed roadblocks that would prevent or slow investment in broadband infrastructure.

The state says more than 50 counties are now an official Broadband Ready Community. The Broadband Ready Communities Program was created as a tool to encourage broadband development throughout Indiana.

“We believe the designation of being a Broadband Ready Community meets both goals. The importance of broadband throughout Howard County has risen to the top of the infrastructure needs locally considering COVID-19 as well as the future delivery of information and education,” said Howard County Commissioner Paul Wyman.

According to Indiana Broadband Office Director Scott Rudd, there has been a major uptick in communities seeking the Broadband Ready designation over the last six months.