More broadband access coming to Lawrence County
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About 1,200 more people in Lawrence County will have more secure access to the internet as AT&T announces plans for a fiber-powered broadband project. The development comes as private companies and state initiatives alike are expanding broadband access in rural Indiana.
It’s the second collaboration between the county and AT&T after a similar $3.6 million project to reach 2,300 people was greenlit earlier this year. Another 700 will also see fiber broadband as part of the state’s Next Level Connections broadband grant program.
“With this project, we’re taking yet another important step toward closing the digital divide for our families, businesses and farms,” Lawrence County Commissioner Dustin Gabhart said in a news release. “Once constructed, this new AT&T Fiber will help many of our rural and low-income families who don’t currently have the internet access they need to work and learn.”
The county finalized the newest agreement Tuesday. The project will cost about $4 million with $2.3 million contributed by the county and the rest from AT&T.
Customers will see the benefits of the investment, which touts 5-Gig speeds, after completion in about two years. Planning and engineering will begin immediately.
“It’s exciting to be part of a project that will bring transformative change to even more residents in Lawrence County,” AT&T Indiana President Bill Soards said. “Through this collaboration, we’ll be narrowing the digital divide and helping people realize the internet’s social and economic benefits.”
AT&T also has ongoing work in Vanderburg County, Delaware County, Boonville and Martinsville.