State announces investment of $6.3 million to advance broadband access 

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and BroadbandOhio have announced more than $6.3 million to expand broadband access by reimbursing internet service providers (ISPs) for infrastructure.

Through the Broadband Pole Replacement and Undergrounding Program, which was designed to support ISPs by covering the costs of updating infrastructure which can often be difficult to anticipate, four internet providers are receiving reimbursement—impacting 30 counties.

“Having affordable, high-speed internet is a necessity for every Ohioan, regardless of where they live,” said Governor DeWine. “By helping internet service providers with infrastructure costs, we’re ensuring that reliable networks can reach every rural town and underserved neighborhood to bridge the digital divide across the state.”

“Having up-to-date infrastructure is vital to Ohio’s broadband expansion,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “Through the Pole Replacement program, we are knocking down the cost barriers for internet service providers and advancing our effort to connect every Ohioan to reliable, high-speed internet.”

Approved today by the Broadband Expansion Authority, a total of $6,370,152.84 was requested through 64 applications that cover 1,093 poles and 1,060 poles passed by undergrounding.

Charter submitted 51 applications totaling $5,943,687.84 in reimbursement, covering infrastructure costs in Clinton, Coshocton, Darke, Fayette, Geauga, Greene, Guernsey, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Jackson, Knox, Licking, Noble, Pickaway, Portage, Preble, Ross, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Union, Vinton, Warren, and Wyandot counties.

South Central Power submitted 11 applications totaling $244,710 in reimbursement, covering Highland and Monroe counties.

Southern Ohio Communications Company submitted one application totaling $92,881 in reimbursement, covering Adams and Scioto counties.

Ohio Gig submitted one application totaling $88,874 in reimbursement, covering Union County.

This represents the fourth round of awards through the program and exhausts its remaining funds. Overall, 175 applications were approved to replace 2,865 poles and 4,719 poles passed by undergrounding. More than $31 million in funding helped replace poles in 51 counties and served more than 13,000 Ohioans.

The Broadband Authority approved the release of more than $730,000 during the first round of reimbursement in August 2024, more than $593,000 during the second round of reimbursement in December 2024, and nearly $23.7 million during the third round of reimbursement in June 2025.

The Pole Replacement and Undergrounding Program was created by House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly to reimburse ISPs for essential pole replacements, mid-span pole installations, and undergrounding projects in unserved areas. ISPs are eligible to receive 75 percent of eligible costs, up to $7,500 per pole. Eligible costs include removing, modifying, and disposing existing utility poles. Undergrounding costs include the costs to dig a trench, perform directional boring, install conduit, and seal the trench, and other affiliated expenses.

The program reimbursed qualifying internet service providers for the costs of necessary pole replacements and undergrounding projects that took place since July 1, 2023, and was non-competitive and first come, first served.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

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