Indiana Governor Cancels $50 Million Agile Networks Deal Unveiled Under Pence
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb (R) terminated contract discussions on a $50 million communications infrastructure lease agreement announced last year by former governor and now-Vice President Mike Pence. Holcomb ended talks between Agile Networks and the Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) after…
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state telecom associations protested the process that led to the agreement to lease the state’s cell towers and other communications infrastructure to Ohio-based Agile (see 1610140040). IFA and Agile Networks couldn't reach agreement on the terms of the contract, Holcomb said. “I have asked the Office of Management and Budget to assess how best to move forward and to develop alternatives we might pursue,” the governor said in a news release Thursday. “Enhancing broadband availability in rural parts of our state will be an important part of my consideration.” State industry groups applauded Holcomb. “Indiana’s broadband industry appreciates the thorough review of this proposal and upholding Indiana’s commitment to market based solutions,” emailed Indiana Cable Telecommunications Association Executive Director Joni Hart. The Agile deal was anticompetitive and poorly conceived, Indiana Broadband and Technology Association President John Koppin emailed. “We continue to work to expand the reach of broadband into unserved areas and will participate in all discussions at the federal, state and local levels to pursue this effort in productive and reasonable ways.” Agile and the IFA didn’t comment.