In March 2022, BroadbandOhio awarded more than $232 million in grants to 11 internet service providers for the first round of the ORBEG program. The 33 awards announced during that round provided high-speed internet access to more than 43,000 households.

The grants awarded today are a key component of the DeWine-Husted Administration’s comprehensive Broadband Strategy that aims to bring high-speed internet across the state.

POLE REPLACEMENT & UNDERGROUNDING

In addition to the latest funding announced through ORBEG, BroadbandOhio announced the release of up to $738,000 to three internet providers through the Broadband Pole Replacement and Undergrounding program.

South Central Power has requested $348,230.10 for 64 poles serving 13,615 locations in Adams, Brown Clermont, Fayette, Highland, Pike Ross, and Scioto counties. Charter has requested $238,200 for 114 poles serving Champaign and Shelby counties. JB Nets has requested $151,689.80 for 44 poles and 32 undergroundings serving 811 locations in Gallia and Lawrence counties.

Established through House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly, the Pole Replacement and Undergrounding program will reimburse qualifying applicants an amount equal to the lesser of $7,500 or 75 percent of the total amount paid by the applicant for each pole replaced when bringing service to an unserved area of Ohio.

“The Ohio House has long-championed broadband access," said Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens. "Today’s announcement is yet another important step toward ensuring that all Ohioans regardless of zip code, have access to high-speed internet.”

“Access to top quality internet is not a luxury, it is a necessity for anyone to succeed in our modern world," said Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman. "Students, families, and businesses in Ohio all need the high quality of broadband internet in order to compete and succeed in the 21st Century. The Ohio Senate applauds the Ohio Department of Development for making this crucial investment in our future, one that will pay off for generations to come.”

The program allocated $50 million to reimburse qualifying internet service providers for the costs of necessary pole replacements and undergrounding projects that have taken place since July 1, 2023. It will continue to reimburse providers for qualifying infrastructure costs until the exhaustion of funding or by June 1, 2029.