COLUMBUS — The Ohio Department of Development’s office of BroadbandOhio this week announced an investment of nearly $600,000 that helps advance broadband access to residences and businesses by reimbursing internet service providers for infrastructure costs.

Three internet providers, Charter, JB Nets, and South Central Power, are receiving reimbursement through the Broadband Pole Replacement and Undergrounding Program, established in 2023 by the DeWine-Husted Administration. During the program’s second round of funding, a total of $593,367.47 was requested for 173 poles and five undergroundings.

“Every Ohioan, regardless of where they live, must have access to affordable, high-speed internet,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “Through this collaboration with internet service providers, we can build reliable networks and infrastructure that reach rural towns, underserved neighborhoods, and every home in between, bridging the digital divide for generations to come.”

Through two rounds of program funding, a total of $1.4 million has been requested for reimbursement.

“Having up-to-date infrastructure is one of the biggest obstacles involved with broadband expansion,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “This program addresses that challenge directly by helping projects move forward and ensuring that people in unserved areas receive the necessary resources to thrive in today’s digital world.”

The Pole Replacement and Undergrounding Program was established through House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly. The program reimburses qualifying applicants an amount equal to the lesser of $7,500 or 75 percent of the total amount paid for each pole replaced when bringing service to an unserved area of Ohio. Costs related to utility pole replacement and affiliated costs, including the removing and disposing existing utility poles, are eligible for reimbursement. Undergrounding costs, including the costs to dig a trench, perform directional boring, install conduit, and seal the trench, also are eligible for reimbursement if undergrounding is required by law, regulation, or local ordinance. Costs related to undergrounding may also be eligible if it is more economical than the cost of performing a pole replacement.

Applicants must submit evidence showing economic reasoning to underground fiber lines.