Southern Indiana Business Report
An expansion of high-speed internet is coming to Lawrence County.
AT&T announced Wednesday it was selected to build AT&T Fiber to more than 1,200 customer locations between Bedford and Mitchell.
This is the second public-private project announced this year between AT&T and Lawrence County. AT&T also was selected by the county in May to build AT&T Fiber to more than 2,300 customer locations in northwestern portions of the county in a project valued at $3.6 million. An additional 700 residents will have access to fiber broadband as part of the state’s Next Level Connections broadband grant program.
The $4.3 million cost of the latest project will be split between the two entities with Lawrence County investing more than $2.3 million and AT&T investing $2 million. The network is expected to be complete in September 2025, after the final agreement between the county commissioners and AT&T was executed Tuesday.
“With this project, we’re taking yet another important step toward closing the digital divide for our families, businesses and farms,” said Lawrence County Commissioner Dustin Gabhart in a press 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.”
Plans call for residents and businesses to have access to superfast internet – delivering up to 5-Gig speeds1 with symmetrical upload and download speeds. Consistently fast speeds2 and increased bandwidth mean customers can connect multiple devices, stream multiple entertainment sources, quickly upload content to social media and experience ultra-low lag for pro-level gaming – all at the same time.
Extensive planning and engineering work for this project will begin immediately.
“It’s exciting to be part of a project that will bring transformative change to even more residents in Lawrence County,” said AT&T Indiana President Bill Soards. “Through this collaboration, we’ll be narrowing the digital divide and helping people realize the internet’s social and economic benefits. We’re proud of this work and appreciate the county continuing to put their faith in us.”
“It’s been my focus as a lawmaker to improve broadband access in rural communities. My previous work to pass the next level connections program into law in the Indiana State Senate illustrates that commitment,” said U.S. Rep. Erin Houchin. “As a new Member of Congress, I’ll keep fighting to ensure unserved areas have access to reliable broadband internet. I applaud AT&T for continuing their efforts toward this goal. Their recent investment in Lawrence County will connect rural communities between Bedford and Mitchell to the global economy.”
Cost assistance
AT&T participates in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP provides eligible households with a benefit of up to $30 a month to reduce the cost of broadband service and can be applied to AT&T Fiber, where available. After confirming ACP eligibility, those who qualify can go to att.com/getacp or call us at 866-986-0963 to sign up for service.
Residents and businesses can learn more about AT&T Fiber at att.com/fiber and can sign up to be notified when service will be available at their address at att.com/notifyme.