Broadband Ready Community Program

SHELBYVILLE (Sept. 15, 2022) – The City of Shelbyville is proud to announce its designation as a Broadband Ready Community, as recognized today by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Broadband Office. This achievement underscores the City of Shelbyville’s commitment to fostering broadband development and accessibility throughout the community.

The Broadband Ready Community certification is a testament to the city’s proactive efforts to minimize barriers to broadband infrastructure investment, signaling to the telecommunications industry that Shelbyville is prepared and eager for development in this critical sector.

“Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch extended her congratulations to the City of Shelbyville for making broadband development a priority and achieving certification as an Indiana Broadband Ready Community,” stated a city spokesperson. “This certification reflects our collective commitment to enhancing broadband accessibility, thereby supporting our residents and businesses with the reliable connectivity they need.”

The certification followed the City of Shelbyville Council’s adoption of a Broadband Ready Community ordinance, demonstrating local government’s dedication to this essential initiative.

City of Shelbyville officials, in collaboration with the Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (SIRPC), have been diligently assessing the broadband needs of the community and its residents. “Our goal is to develop a strategic plan for the most cost-effective broadband expansion, ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to access high-speed internet. This is crucial not just for streaming community meetings or enabling students to complete homework, but also for empowering every individual within our community to participate fully in today’s digital world,” said a city representative.

Earnie Holtrey, Project Manager at the Indiana Broadband Office, highlighted Shelbyville as the 71st Broadband Ready Community in Indiana, noting the city’s significant strides towards improving citizens’ quality of life through enhanced broadband access. “It’s a celebratory moment for the residents and businesses of Shelbyville, and we share in their excitement,” Holtrey remarked.

Following 2020 legislation, the Broadband Ready Community Program transitioned to the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), with the Indiana Broadband Office (IBO) assuming management responsibilities. This move aligns with the IBO’s mission under Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch’s leadership to bring affordable and reliable broadband connectivity to Hoosiers, supporting them in all aspects of their lives.

For more information about the Broadband Ready Community Program and the City of Shelbyville’s broadband initiatives, please visit the City of Shelbyville Government website.

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Guided by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, the Indiana Broadband Office (IBO) is dedicated to ensuring that every resident of Indiana, including those in Shelbyville, has access to the broadband connectivity needed for thriving in today’s digital landscape. The IBO’s efforts encompass communication with stakeholders, resource provision to diverse communities, and leveraging relationships with officials and associations to fulfill its mission.

The Broadband Ready Communities Program was created by the State to encourage broadband development in Indiana. The program was established by IC 5-28-28.5.

Being a Broadband Ready Community means that our community has taken steps to create more broadband infrastructure investment. This designation doesn’t necessarily guarantee that City of Shelbyville/Shelby County will receive investment proposals. However, it does send a signal to area
broadband partners and telecommunication providers that our county is open to discussions for new ideas on how to improve internet connectivity in order to bring reliable and affordable broadband to every county resident who desires it.

In November of 2021, Shelby County’s county commissioners passed the ordinance necessary to qualify for Broadband Ready Certification. Since then, the Shelby County Broadband Taskforce was established for the benefit of county residents, businesses, and organizations towards improving broadband connectivity and digital inclusion.

In August of 2022 Shelby County was officially certified as a Broadband Ready Community. This certification, along with the coordinated efforts of the taskforce, elected officials, and residents can help ensure that Shelby County does not get left behind as the rest of Indiana progresses in broadband connectivity.

Internet service providers who want to get in touch with the County/City of Shelbyville regarding future broadband partnerships should refer to the contact information below:

Linda Sanders, Shelby County Digital Ambassador and City Council
Email: lsanders@cityofshelbyvillein.com
Phone: 317-398-6624
Mail:  44 W Washington Street, Shelbyville, IN 46176

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Reneisha Rudder, SIRPC Economic Resiliency Coordinator, Digital Inclusion
Email: digitalinclusion.sirpc@gmail.com
Phone: 812-689-5505