Less than 20 percent of residents in Orange county currently have access to broadband internet, the lowest in the state, with many other counties in the region having large under-served populations as well.

Broadband internet is now a necessity for development, but many residents in Indiana lack access to these speeds, the means to use them, or any internet access at all.

Healthcare, education, and communication, which depend on the development of this infrastructure, will continue to stall in development in the areas of the state without broadband access and use.

What is currently being done to resolve this issue? How does this impact both rural and urban populations? What affect does this have on Hoosiers?

You can follow us on Twitter @NoonEdition or join us on the air by calling in at (812) 855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348

Guests:

Allie Orwig: Project Coordinator, Indiana Telehealth Network

Jennifer Terrell: Professor, Indiana University School of Informatics & Computing

Erin Houchin: State Senator, Indiana