Line Extension Grant Program

The Ohio Broadband Line Extension Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development through its BroadbandOhio initiative and is funded by the federal Capital Projects Fund. This fund was created to support critical infrastructure projects that enable remote work, education, and health monitoring, particularly in response to disruptions highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program specifically targets the expansion of broadband infrastructure in underserved and unserved areas of Ohio, focusing on residential locations that are set back from main roads where traditional service extension is cost prohibitive. The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to closing the digital divide by ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet. The primary objective of the program is to provide financial assistance to Internet Service Providers to offset the costs of extending fiber broadband infrastructure to homes that lack adequate service. Eligible projects must deliver broadband speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload to each connected residence. The program prioritizes fiber-based infrastructure and is limited to areas classified as unserved according to the most recent Federal Communications Commission broadband availability maps. Projects must also demonstrate that the targeted addresses have actively requested service and must not overlap with areas already receiving funding for similar broadband expansion initiatives. Funding under the program is structured to support line extension construction costs beyond the first 200 feet, which remain the responsibility of the service provider. The reimbursement is calculated at a rate of up to 9.50 dollars per foot, with a maximum cap of 5000 dollars per address or the total cost incurred by the customer, whichever is lower. Eligible costs include network equipment, outside plant construction, site preparation, professional services such as engineering and project management, and testing. Ineligible costs include administrative overhead, operating expenses, customer-owned equipment, and any expenses incurred prior to the grant award. Eligibility for the program is restricted to Internet Service Providers, who must submit detailed project plans, timelines, and cost estimates as part of their application. The application process requires submission via electronic mail using a prescribed form available on the BroadbandOhio website. Applicants must include multiple required attachments such as a detailed address list with FCC identifiers, notarized statements affirming compliance, budget documentation, and evidence of service demand at the proposed locations. Applications are reviewed for completeness and then evaluated using a competitive scoring system established by the Department of Development. The program operates on a rolling application basis, meaning submissions are accepted continuously until the allocated funding of 2 million dollars is fully committed. There is no fixed application deadline, but all funded projects must be completed and operational by December 31, 2026. Following submission, incomplete applications may be returned for revision and resubmission. Successful applicants will enter into agreements that define project milestones, which in turn govern the disbursement of funds. Awardees are subject to ongoing monitoring and reporting requirements throughout the project lifecycle. BroadbandOhio conducts regular check-ins to ensure adherence to timelines and compliance with program requirements. Quarterly progress reports are required, along with a final report upon project completion. If a project is found to be non-compliant, the administering agency may require corrective action or repayment of funds. All projects must also comply with federal Capital Projects Fund reporting and regulatory guidelines. The program includes additional obligations such as participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program or a successor initiative to ensure affordability for end users. Providers must offer a low-cost plan option for qualifying households. For further information or assistance, applicants may contact the program directly via the BroadbandOhio grant email inbox. The program represents a targeted infrastructure investment aimed at expanding broadband access to hard-to-reach residential areas and ensuring long-term connectivity solutions across Ohio.

Ensure all required attachments are complete and accurate; demonstrate clear demand and unserved status; provide detailed engineering and cost justification; align project timeline with required completion deadline