Columbus, Ohio – In a major effort to bridge the digital divide, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and BroadbandOhio have announced that nearly $23.7 million will be awarded to support broadband expansion across the state. The funding will go toward reimbursing internet service providers (ISPs) for infrastructure projects—especially for replacing utility poles and burying fiber lines—in communities that currently lack reliable internet access.
Targeted Support for Essential Infrastructure
The funding is part of the Broadband Pole Replacement and Undergrounding Program, a state initiative created by House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly. The program aims to ease the financial burden on ISPs by reimbursing a portion of their costs for replacing or installing utility poles and burying broadband cables in unserved areas. A total of 67 applications were submitted in the third round of the program, requesting $23,698,526 in reimbursements to support 1,333 pole replacements and 3,622 undergrounding operations.
“Every Ohioan deserves access to affordable high-speed internet, no matter where they live,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “By supporting infrastructure investments, we’re opening doors for more communities to connect, grow, and thrive.”
Lt. Governor Jim Tressel also stressed the importance of connectivity for workforce development, stating, “With the job opportunities we have coming into Ohio right now, we need to make sure that we have digital connectivity in all parts of the state.”
Support Spans 23 Counties Across the State
Six ISPs received funding approvals, covering 23 counties throughout Ohio. The largest share of the funding, $18,519,703, went to Ohio Gig, which submitted six applications to cover infrastructure upgrades in Belmont, Delaware, Union, Hardin, Clinton, and Warren counties.
Charter Communications followed with 22 approved applications totaling $3,042,707 in reimbursement for broadband work in Brown, Carroll, Fayette, Guernsey, Hardin, Highland, Knox, Logan, Muskingum, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and Stark counties.
South Central Power secured $1,437,341 through 33 applications for projects in Belmont, Monroe, Highland, and Harrison counties.
Other recipients included:
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Logan County Gig, awarded $303,304 for work in Logan County
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Southern Ohio Communications Company, awarded $295,235 for work in Adams County
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JB Nets, awarded $100,236 for Gallia County
Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, emphasized how crucial infrastructure is to advancing digital equity. “Reliable internet starts with reliable infrastructure. By removing the cost barriers that slow down progress, we’re making sure every Ohio community has the tools to move forward to connect all Ohioans in today’s digital world.”
Program Framework and Long-Term Goals
Under the program, ISPs can receive up to 75 percent reimbursement of eligible costs, capped at $7,500 per pole. Costs covered include replacing or modifying old utility poles, trench digging, directional boring, conduit installation, and trench sealing. To qualify for undergrounding reimbursements, ISPs must provide documentation justifying why burying the fiber is economically and logistically necessary.
The program has allocated $50 million to support projects that began after July 1, 2023, and will continue providing funds through June 1, 2029, or until the budget is fully exhausted. The initiative is non-competitive and awards are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
With this round of funding, the state has now approved nearly $25.1 million in total reimbursement requests through the program’s first three funding rounds. The initiative stands as a key part of Ohio’s broader plan to ensure digital access for all communities—urban and rural alike.
