Columbus, Ohio – In a significant move to bridge the digital divide across the state, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced a substantial investment of $94.5 million to extend affordable, high-speed internet access to more than 35,000 households in underserved areas. This funding comes as part of the second round of the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant (ORBEG) program, which aims to bring reliable internet service to rural and remote communities across the state.
Expanding Access Across 23 Counties
The Broadband Expansion Authority authorized BroadbandOhio to allocate funds to two major internet service providers, Time Warner Cable Midwest and Brightspeed, to carry out six crucial projects serving 23 counties. These projects are expected to deliver internet service with speeds of at least 100/100 Mbps upon completion, significantly enhancing connectivity for thousands of Ohioans.
Governor DeWine emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Having reliable, high-speed internet is an essential part of our world today. Providing Ohio’s unserved areas with dependable, affordable broadband access will enhance economic growth and create new opportunities where they didn’t previously exist.”
Lt. Governor Husted echoed this sentiment, particularly noting the benefits for rural communities. “With this action today, we are expanding the opportunity for many people in these 23 counties to participate in the modern economy, education, and healthcare systems, which currently lack access to high-speed internet. Having grown up in rural Ohio, I know firsthand how limited technology access can make people feel left behind when it comes to opportunities. We are changing that in Ohio.”
Significant Investments in Connectivity
Time Warner Cable Midwest received $83.1 million to execute five projects that will impact thousands of households across multiple counties:
- $19.6 million to provide access to 7,275 households in Fulton and Henry counties.
- $17.5 million to provide access to 6,645 households in Auglaize, Butler, Logan, Montgomery, and Preble counties.
- $17.3 million to provide access to 6,053 households in Defiance and Williams counties.
- $15.3 million to provide access to 5,289 households in Ashland, Erie, Geauga, Lorain, Lucas, and Wood counties.
- $13.5 million to provide access to 5,036 households in Ashtabula, Columbiana, Portage, and Trumbull counties.
Each of these projects will use Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) technology, delivering speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, ensuring residents have access to the fastest and most reliable internet service available.
Brightspeed was awarded $11.4 million for a project that will serve 5,053 households across Allen, Ashtabula, Columbiana, Knox, Mahoning, Shelby, and Trumbull counties. Like Time Warner, Brightspeed’s project will also deploy fiber-based broadband capable of delivering symmetrical speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second.
A Commitment to Closing the Digital Divide
This round of ORBEG awards is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, reflecting the state’s commitment to ensuring that all Ohioans have the tools they need to thrive in the digital age.
Director Lydia Mihalik highlighted the importance of this investment: “We hear from local leaders and residents every day about how important it is that they get connected. Through this funding, we’re moving another step closer to ending the digital divide across the state and empowering every Ohioan with the high-speed capabilities they need to prosper and thrive.”
In addition to the grant awards, 12 internet service providers have also committed to independently fund 51 additional projects within two years, further extending broadband access to 10,000 households in 25 additional counties.
This significant investment marks a major step forward in Ohio’s efforts to provide equitable internet access to all its residents, paving the way for economic growth, educational opportunities, and improved healthcare access across the state.
