Montpelier, Indiana, like many other communities in the United States, has a significant issue with getting high-speed internet to all of its residents. With individuals working from home and online learning, access to reliable and fast internet has become a critical issue. As a result, the city is exploring the possibility of bringing high-speed internet to every home in Montpelier.

The city has partnered with Mainstream Fiber, a company that currently provides internet service to several commercial facilities in the area, including City Hall. Mainstream Fiber has proposed an estimated cost of $950,000 for the project. To fund the project, the city would apply for a READI grant of $475,000 from the state for rural broadband development, Mainstream Fiber would absorb $325,000, and the City of Montpelier would contribute $150,000.

The proposal is still in its early stages, and the city needs to collect some preliminary data to determine if the project is feasible. This data will be used to determine if the project is economically viable and if there is enough demand for high-speed internet in Montpelier to make it worthwhile.

Therefore, the city of Montpelier has initiated a collaborative study focused on improving high-speed internet throughout the city and county. As a part of this effort, we request your assistance to gain a better understanding of broadband (high-speed internet) needs and opportunities for business, education, health and safety, and private residential uses.

Information collected during this survey will be used to assess demand and availability, but your address and personal information will not be published or used for any other reason.

By completing this survey, you are helping us to:

  • Identify where the service exists and the quality of that service 
  • Learn how residents and businesses are using the Internet 
  • Assist in identifying and prioritizing investment in infrastructure 
  • Support funding requests and grant proposals 
  • Inform program development to enhance the adoption of broadband 

We know that you may use the Internet for both business and recreational purposes. To make sure we consider all uses, we encourage you to take the survey more than once – for work and for home. Please complete this survey and share it with other Montpelier residents by May 17th, 2023.

For additional information on this project or a link to the electronic form of this survey, you can email gthompson@ecirpd.org or call 317-427-8450. We appreciate your help and your input.