Iowa Communication Alliance’s (ICA) Providers Score Big Grant Awards to Expand Broadband Service

In response to the Iowa Legislature’s allocation of $100 million to expand broadband service in Iowa, the Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO) announced grant award winners on Tuesday.

178 applications seeking over $280 million in funding were submitted. Applicants sought state match grant funding ranging from 75% down to 35%, depending on the current status of broadband buildout in the specific area.

This week’s award announcement included 39 awards totaling $97.5 million in state grant funding. ICA is proud to announce of the 39 awards, 35 awardees were ICA community-based broadband providers.  

Over $92 million went to 28 ICA member companies -- each of whom will offer broadband service speeds of at least 100 Mbps downstream and 100 Mbps upstream.  Six ICA members received multiple awards.  The overall success of Iowa’s community-based broadband providers shows the value and strength of their fiber-based networks and their proven track record and dedication to serving rural Iowans with the very best technology and future-proof networks.

ICA, and the 115 community-based broadband providers it represents, have been leading the advocacy efforts to promote the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa initiative since its inception several years ago.  

But our work is not yet done, as too many Iowans remain “unconnected” even after this round of funding is complete.  In her Press Release announcing the awards, Governor Reynolds said that “Due to the overwhelming amount of interest and success of this program, the State of Iowa will expedite a new grant opportunity utilizing ARPA federal funds to build upon the $100 million in state funding for this grant program.” 

Given that more than dozens of ICA member applications (and over 100 applications overall) were deemed “unsuccessful” in the current round of funding, ICA member companies stand ready to participate in future opportunities.  

###

Media Contact:

Dave Duncan, CEO, Iowa Communications Alliance
(515) 867-2091
[email protected]

Click here for the official press release.