By Alexa Shrake

TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS—Two broadband development bills were heard in the House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee on Monday.

Both Senate Bill 352 and SB 377 would increase funding for internet access for those who are unable to afford it or live in rural areas where broadband isn’t available.

Sen. Andy Zay, R-Pierceton, author of SB 377, said discussions on the bill began last year when the coronavirus pandemic first started, everyone had to stay home and schools shut down for all but virtual learning.

“Broadband and connectivity never became so important as it has in the last 12 to 15 months,” Zay said.

Committee Chair Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, said the committee doesn’t want to move forward with the bills at the moment. The committee is only hearing the bills and not voting on them since the Biden administration is providing funding to expand broadband.

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 73% of Americans have broadband at home. About 81% of adults have a smartphone that has access to the internet.

There are an estimated 705,519 households in Indiana without internet access. Those households without access live in rural areas or experience poverty.

About 30% of students who attend Indianapolis Public Schools don’t have a computer or access to the internet according to United States Census American Community Servey. 

Another broadband bill to expand access is in the Senate. Rep. Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus, author of House Bill 1164 said the current two-year state budget proposal calls for a $250 million investment in expanding rural broadband in Indiana, along with an additional $198 million in federal funds set to go to providers.

“As many businesses, events, organizations and schools have transitioned their services or activities from in-person to online due to the pandemic, we have seen the dire need for increased broadband access in our communities,” Lauer said in a statement. “This bill takes important steps in rolling out critical broadband to get more Hoosiers connected.”

FOOTNOTE: Alexa Shrake is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.