The Allen County Board of Commissioners will be meeting Friday with invited community leaders to begin coordinating efforts which would result in bringing broadband internet access to underserved portions of rural Allen County.

The commissioners have made bringing high speed internet to residents of rural Allen County a priority item in 2020. Not only do they feel this would benefit all residents of the county who so far have been deprived of this basic necessity, it would allow school children to have access to the tools that will make them contributing citizens in the future, enhance property values and stimulate economic development.

Among those expected to participate in the meeting are Scott Rudd, director of broadband opportunities in the Lieutenant Governor’s office; representatives from Northwest Allen and East Allen County School districts; officials with various economic development groups; representatives of cable and internet service providers, and other elected officials.

“High-speed, reliable, affordable broadband is essential for our county to thrive in a 21st century economy,” the commissioners said. “We believe we have to do everything we can to make that a reality – especially in our rural areas. We share a commitment to closing the digital divide and look forward to working with this group of leaders to connect and lift up our community through high-speed internet access.”

Friday’s meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. in the Omni Room of Citizens Square.