The Indiana Broadband Office has awarded more than $620,000 to expand high-speed internet service in the latest round of the Indiana Connectivity Program, with several southwest Indiana counties receiving funding.

The Round 16 awards will support service to 172 addresses in 42 counties statewide, including 165 homes and seven businesses.

Knox County was awarded more than $35,000, along with about $5,000 in matching funds, to serve nine addresses. Gibson County will receive nearly $55,000 to connect 13 locations. Pike County is set to receive nearly $35,000 for seven locations. Daviess and Greene counties will each receive about $8,500 to connect two addresses. Sullivan County was awarded more than $9,100, with over $12,000 in matching funds, to serve two locations, and Dubois County will receive just over $4,200 for one address.

The Indiana Connectivity Program helps internet providers offset the cost of extending broadband service to unserved and underserved areas, particularly in rural communities. State officials say more than $14 million has now been committed through the program, connecting more than 3,000 homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions.

Home and business owners without reliable internet service can submit their address through an online portal to request a connection, although submission does not guarantee that service will be extended.

Providers receiving funding are required to complete their projects within nine months of the contract date.