FORT WAYNE, IN – July 31, 2024 – Allen County residents in rural eastern and southern areas are poised to gain access to high-speed internet thanks to a new partnership between Allen County and Lakeland Internet. The initiative, announced today, aims to connect over 60,000 households currently underserved by broadband options.
The project will leverage fixed wireless technology from Tarana Wireless to deliver improved internet service to communities across the county. Allen County is contributing $1.2 million in funding from its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation to support the infrastructure buildout.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide within Allen County,” stated a press release from the Allen County Board of Commissioners. “Reliable, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for education, healthcare, and economic chance.”
Lakeland Internet, a local provider known for its customer service, will oversee the installation and ongoing operation of the network.The company is also establishing a new field office in fort Wayne to support expanded operations and provide localized customer support. The office will be located at[[Address of Fort Wayne office to be added when available].
Initial deployment will focus on the following towns: Roanoke, Yoder, Zanesville, Ossian, Hoagland, Monroeville, Edgerton, Woodburn, Harlan, Leo-Cedarville, and Spencerville. Lakeland Internet already serves several communities within Allen County, including Poe, Yoder, Monroeville, Zanesville, Ossian, Hoagland, Edgerton, Harlan, Leo-Cedarville, and Spencerville.
Background: The Ongoing Broadband Expansion Effort
The Allen County initiative is part of a broader national effort to expand broadband access,particularly in rural areas.the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates that millions of Americans still lack access to reliable high-speed internet. The American Rescue Plan Act has provided significant funding to states and local governments to address this issue.
Fixed wireless technology, like that provided by Tarana Wireless, offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional fiber optic deployments in areas where laying cable is prohibitively expensive. Tarana WirelessS technology utilizes advanced beamforming and interference mitigation techniques to deliver speeds comparable to fiber in many cases.
Lakeland Internet’s CEO,[[CEO Name to be added when available], emphasized the company’s commitment to providing local, expert service. “We’re not just building a network; we’re building a connection to the community,” they said. “Our goal is to provide residents with a better, faster, and more reliable internet experience.”
Residents interested in learning more about the project and potential service availability can visit the Lakeland Internet website at[[Lakeland Internet Website Address to be added when available]or contact the Allen County government offices.
