NASHVILLE, Ind. – Mainstream Fiber Networks recently completed construction on two multi-year projects to develop and deploy over 180 miles combined of new fiber infrastructure to previously unserved portions of Benton and Floyd counties.
The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs awarded more than $3 million in Next Level Connections grant funding to Mainstream Fiber for the Connect Benton County project with a local match of nearly $3.2 million for a total project cost of more than $6.2 million. Mainstream Fiber received more than $2 million in Next Level Connections grant funding for the Connect Floyd County project with a local match of more than $2.1 million for a total project cost of more than $4.1 million.
“We want to thank Governor Eric Holcomb and Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch for recognizing how access to reliable, affordable fiber optic internet service is a game changer for rural and other underserved communities,” said Bryan Gabriel, CEO of Mainstream Fiber Networks. “We are honored to play a role in getting more Hoosiers connected and will continue our mission to expand access to broadband infrastructure across Indiana.”
When Mainstream Fiber Networks was awarded its Next Level Connections grant to expand its fiber optic network in Benton County, the area was ranked 91st in broadband service out of Indiana’s 92 counties and most of the residents did not have access to internet of at least 10 mbps download speed at an affordable rate.
Thanks to the Next Level Connections grant program, approximately 2,435 unserved households and 554 unserved businesses in Benton County and 2,084 unserved households and 389 unserved businesses in Floyd County now have access to fast, affordable and reliable internet.
“Through their participation in the Next Level Connections program, Mainstream Fiber Networks expanded broadband access to over 5,400 addresses previously unserved in Benton and Floyd counties,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner. “Access to reliable internet positively impacts a community’s quality of life, and we are happy to see these counties be better served.” Mainstream Fiber Networks regional offices for Benton and Floyd counties are located at 109 S. Grant Ave. in Fowler, Indiana and 2370 Landmark Way NE Unit 102 in Corydon, Indiana. More information can be found at www.msfiber.net.