NITCO is transforming rural communities by bringing high-speed internet to underserved areas.
Access to high-speed internet is a modern necessity. Allowing for more than simple searches and app usage on a phone, high-speed internet provides access to education, employment, and public resources.
“Today, people are totally reliant upon the internet for information, for emergency services, for communication, and for education,” said Tom Carroll, senior vice president NITCO.
Although most areas of Indiana do have internet access, many areas do not have quality, reliable access.
“There are areas throughout the state with underserved customers,” said Carroll. “These are addresses where people have either poor or unreliable internet services.”
In areas such as these, attempting to access basic needs for online learning, working, researching, banking and the like are impossible. To combat this issue, the state of Indiana has provided two grants totaling $282,013 and the NITCO matching funds of $94,001 for a project total of $376,014 to extend gigabit fiber service to households that previously lacked reliable internet access.
“With these funds, NITCO was able to provide broadband to only 14 houses,” said Carroll. “This highlights how extremely expensive this infrastructure is and why state/federal grants are critical.”
While the numbers might seem small, the impact is profound, marking a step forward in closing the digital divide.
In fact, NITCO has committed to working to close the gaps in access even though expanding broadband in rural areas is no small task. Building infrastructure often costs NITCO between $1 million and $3 million.
“Our teams are working every single day to get this high quality internet service to our current customers and to prospects who may want to have our service in areas that we're building,” said Carroll.
Despite the high costs, NITCO remains determined to ensure that no one is left behind, steadily connecting more households to the digital world.
“NITCO strives to provide affordable services in the communities we serve,” said Carroll. “In addition to internet, we also have all phone and TV services available.”
Customers can view potential services on NITCO’s communities page.
For clients who live in areas where high speed internet access is available, cost can still be an additional barrier. NITCO wants to break down this restriction as well with affordable options.
For example, NITCO is currently offering an enticing promotional plan where customers can get gigabit fiber internet access for $30 a month for the first 12 months.
After 12 months, NITCO offers multiple options for every customer’s needs.
These efforts are more than a business venture for NITCO — they’re about providing rural families with the tools they need to thrive in a connected world. High-speed internet opens doors to education, remote work, telehealth, and entertainment that were previously out of reach for many.
“We know that NITCO and other providers will have to invest in high quality infrastructure to bring fiber into every home,” said Carroll. “Along with collaboration from the state and the federal government, NITCO is going to finish the job and get high speed broadband into as many homes as we can.”
With NITCO’s unwavering commitment, communities across the Region can look forward to a future where fast, reliable internet is not a privilege but a standard for all.
To learn more about NITCO, please visit nitco.com.
