Indiana Michigan Power Company Inc.

The proposed Delaware and Grant Middle Mile Connect (D&G) project consists of 252 miles of newly constructed fiber and 465 miles of existing fiber within the Indiana Michigan Power Company (IMP) network in Delaware and Grant counties in Indiana. This fiber will be available to lease by ISPs to provide last mile broadband to Delaware and Grant counties. As the provider of electric services to users in the target area, I&M is positioned to recognize resident's broadband limitations and help address them by leveraging it's distribution infrastructure, network expertise, and overall economies of scale to provide a robust offering of low-cost middle mile fiber rapidly available for use by last mile Internet Service Providers. The project will leverage IMP's existing power line structures throughout Delaware and Grant counties to provide a middle mile fiber communications network. The project will benefit the proposed service area by promoting carrier-neutral interconnection facilities and non-exclusive leasing agreements. Reduced entry barriers for last mile ISPs, the availability of open and non-discriminatory access, and the competitively priced fiber service offering, will increase the number of last mile providers willing to supply service in the region. Increasing competition improves overall broadband performance, accessibility, and affordability. IMP's interconnection policies, numerous terminal locations, and competitive pricing make it easier, faster, and less expensive for last mile providers to reach the most impacted communities and to provide lower costs to those end-users.