BroadbandOhio and Governor Mike DeWine last week announced almost $23.7 million in reimbursements to six broadband service providers (BSPs) for infrastructure expenditures. The reimbursements will come through the Ohio Broadband Pole Replacement and Undergrounding Program.
It was the program’s third and, by far, largest round of reimbursements. A total of $23,698,526 was sought in 67 applications involving 1,333 poles and 3,622 “undergroundings.”
Through three rounds of program funding, nearly $25.1 million has been requested for reimbursement in the program, which is non-competitive and first-come first-served, according to the press release about the Ohio pole reimbursement program.
Those seeking the reimbursements:
- Ohio Gig submitted six applications totaling $18,519,703 covering Belmont, Delaware, Union, Hardin, Clinton, and Warren counties.
- Charter Communications submitted 22 applications totaling $3,042,707 covering Brown, Carroll, Fayette, Guernsey, Hardin, Highland, Knox, Logan, Muskingum, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and Stark counties.
- South Central Power submitted 33 applications totaling $1,437,341 covering Belmont, Monroe, Highland, and Harrison counties.
- Logan County Gig submitted one application totaling $303,304 in reimbursement for Logan County.
- The Southern Ohio Communications Company submitted one application totaling $295,235 in reimbursement for Adams County.
- JB Nets submitted four applications totaling $100,236 for Gallia County.
The $50 million Pole Replacement and Undergrounding Program in Ohio provides BSPs as much as 75% of costs to $7,500 per pole for replacements and undergrounding projects done since July 1, 2023. It will continue to reimburse providers until funds are exhausted or June 1, 2029.
Additional information about broadband in Ohio, including links to state funding resources and grants, awards made, BEAD news, state-specific Telecompetitor coverage, and more can be found on the Broadband Nation webpage for the state.
