Background:

The Hoosier Fiber Networks Project (the “Project” or “H-Net”) is a build to own fiber to the premise (“FTTP”) network serving the suburban Indianapolis region. The Project will serve an aggregate of 77,000 premises, across the four municipalities of Bloomington, Columbus, Shelbyville and Bartholomew County. The Project’s construction is separated into two contracts corresponding to different regions: AEG in Bloomington, Columbus, and Bartholomew County, and Congruex in Shelbyville. The milestone areas will be independently tested, commissioned, and lit, enabling the ISP to generate revenues accordingly.
The Indiana market is currently underserved by existing internet providers, which only service 20% of the market with faster and more reliable fiber optic broadband technology. A fiber network will be key to maintaining these communities’ existing economic base and future growth.
The Project was developed in conjunction with the local municipalities, with Bloomington serving as the anchor market. Meridiam is the sole developer and equity investor for the Project and has formed the Project Company, Hoosier Networks LLC (“Hoosier Net”).
The municipalities will provide Hoosier Net contractual rights of use for related city owned infrastructure assets, local tax incentives, access to public rights of way, and expedited permitting.

Status:

Under Construction

ESG/SDG Key Facts 

Digital Equity Program was developed in partnership with the municipalities of Central Indiana. The program is geared towards providing ubiquitous network coverage to all communities regardless of income level and comprises of the following:
• The incorporation of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a subsidy program for internet services to reduce price internet services for qualifying low-income households.
• A drop contribution from each municipality to cover 50% of low-income households. H-Net aims to contribute to several SDGs: Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Partnerships for the Goals

Image source: istockphoto-1197753191-612×612-DATA