Program offers financial assistance for pole replacement and undergrounding to internet providers
As part of the state’s continuing efforts to ensure every Ohioan has access to high-speed internet, the Ohio Department of Development recently announced a new grant program to help lessen the financial burden of costly infrastructure for internet service providers.
The Broadband Pole Replacement and Undergrounding Program allocates $50 million to provide qualifying internet service providers reimbursement for the costs of necessary pole replacements, mid-span pole installations and undergrounding projects that have taken place since July 1, 2023.
“You can’t participate in the modern economy without access to high-speed internet, so we are actively exploring all options to speed up the expansion of broadband in underserved areas,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “The financial incentive offered through this program gives providers additional resources to start new projects that will speed up the expansion and installation of high-speed Internet across Ohio.”
The program, which was established through House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly, is administered by Development’s office of BroadbandOhio. The 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 replacement or mid-span pole installation.
“We’ve seen firsthand just how costly projects like these can be, which often makes it difficult for internet service providers to set up shop in some of our most underserved areas,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “We’re grateful to our partners in the Ohio General Assembly for the opportunity to support this work as we strive toward our mission of providing all Ohioans access to the digital resources they need.”
Among the reimbursements available are the costs related to pole replacement installation. Also included in this program are the costs for placing internet and fiber lines underground, but only if undergrounding is required by law, regulation, or local ordinance, or if it is more economical than the cost of performing a pole replacement. For undergrounding costs, the reimbursement may not exceed the amount available if the applicant had attached broadband infrastructure to utility poles instead of undergrounding the infrastructure.
A completed application must be submitted to BroadbandOhio via BBOHGrants@development.ohio.gov, along with a finalized list of supporting evidence. The program will continue to reimburse providers for qualifying infrastructure costs until the exhaustion of funding or by June 1, 2029. For more information, visit the Broadband Pole Replacement and Undergrounding Program webpage at https://broadband.ohio.gov/grant-opportunities/pole-replacement/pole-re…?.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places and businesses. Learn more at development.ohio.gov.