Gov DeWine Launches New Grant Program to Expand Broadband Access in Ohio

Gov Mike DeWine (R-OH) announced that the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant program is now accepting online applications. Funded as part of Ohio's 2022-2023 operating budget, the program will provide $250 million in grants to internet service providers (ISPs) for the construction of broadband projects that improve high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved areas of the state. Projects will provide service access of at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload to residents in areas that do not have a provider that can supply service at this speed. ISPs can apply online from September 6, 2021, until 5 pm Nov 8, 2021. Applications will be reviewed by the Ohio Department of Development and BroadbandOhio, which was created by the DeWine-Husted Administration in March 2020 to be the point of contact for all broadband projects in Ohio. Eligible applications will be sent to the Ohio Broadband Expansion Program Authority for approval and funding. More information on the new Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant is available here.