Buckeye Reporter

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced a significant investment in broadband internet infrastructure, amounting to $600 million. This announcement was made on December 19 through a post on X, a social media platform.

"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," said Husted, Lt. Governor.

According to Husted's post, the Ohio Department of Development provided further details about the state's efforts to enhance broadband access. "Development’s office of Broadband Ohio today announced an investment of nearly $600,000 that helps advance broadband access to residences and businesses by reimbursing internet service providers for infrastructure cost," wrote the Ohio Department of Development in their December 19 post on X.

Screenshot of Lt. Gov. Jon Husted's Dec. 19 post on X | X

The state has initiated a nearly $600,000 investment aimed at reimbursing internet service providers (ISPs) for infrastructure expenses. Currently, Charter, JB Nets, and South Central Power are receiving reimbursements through the Broadband Pole Replacement and Undergrounding Program. According to the Ohio Department of Development’s December 19 news release, $593,367.47 was requested to cover costs for 173 poles and five underground installations in this round of funding. In total, $1.4 million has been requested over two rounds of program funding.

The Broadband Pole Replacement and Undergrounding Program commenced in 2023. It offers reimbursement grants to qualifying ISPs to alleviate the financial burden associated with expanding broadband infrastructure. Eligible costs include pole replacement or mid-span pole installation, removal and disposal of existing utility poles, installation of replacement poles, and transferring existing equipment to new poles. Additionally, undergrounding expenses such as trench digging, directional boring, conduit installation, and trench sealing are eligible if required by law or if they are more cost-effective than pole replacement. Reimbursements are capped at $7,500 or 75% of the total cost for pole replacement or mid-span pole installation.

Husted's background includes being adopted and raised in Northwest Ohio's Williams County and earning multiple degrees from the University of Dayton. He previously served as vice president at the Dayton-Area Chamber of Commerce before entering public service. His career includes roles as Ohio Secretary of State and House Speaker before being elected Lt. Governor in 2018 and reelected in 2022. Husted resides with his wife Tina and their three children.