Line Extension Grant Program

The Ohio Broadband Line Extension Program is a funding initiative administered by the Ohio Department of Development under the BroadbandOhio initiative. Established with support from the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Capital Projects Fund (CPF), this program is part of a broader federal and state effort to bridge the digital divide exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CPF allocated $268.5 million to Ohio, a portion of which supports this grant program specifically aimed at extending fiber-based broadband infrastructure to unserved homes located beyond 200 feet from existing infrastructure. The program targets rural and set-back properties where last-mile construction costs are a barrier to service delivery. This program provides financial assistance to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to offset line extension construction costs. Eligible projects may receive up to $5,000 per address, not to exceed $9.50 per foot for fiber optic installations beyond the first 200 feet, which are the responsibility of the ISP. Funding supports costs including network and access equipment, outside plant construction, engineering and project management, testing, and other upfront construction-related costs. However, the program excludes internal administrative expenses, fundraising, customer-owned equipment, operating costs, and other ineligible items clearly outlined in the program guide. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the allocated $3 million in funding is exhausted. Projects must be substantially completed and operational by December 31, 2026. Awards are disbursed based on mutually agreed-upon project milestones, and projects are subject to state and CPF reporting and compliance requirements. BroadbandOhio conducts regular check-ins with grantees, requires quarterly progress reports, and mandates a final report upon project completion. Projects must meet a minimum service level of 100/100 Mbps and must include affordable plan options for qualifying residents, including participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program or an approved successor. Eligibility is limited strictly to Internet Service Providers, and project areas must be unserved as determined by the FCC Broadband Availability Map (below 25/3 Mbps). Projects cannot overlap with those already awarded funding through the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant program or other commitments guaranteeing 100/20 Mbps service. Applicants must demonstrate that the proposed addresses have formally requested broadband service, and they must provide a detailed project plan, budget, and supporting documentation as outlined in the required attachments section of the application guide. Applications must include several specific attachments: a formatted Excel address list with FCC IDs, notarized declarations of program compliance, a budget, a low-cost service plan, and documentation of community demand. All applications are submitted electronically to bbohgrants@development.ohio.gov and must follow a prescribed format. Incomplete applications are returned for correction. Development uses a competitive scoring system to evaluate submissions, and applications are funded based on their score until the budget cap is reached. The Ohio Broadband Line Extension Program demonstrates the state’s commitment to ensuring equitable broadband access for all residents, especially in underserved rural areas. With a clear set of eligibility criteria, defined technical requirements, and a milestone-based reimbursement structure, the program provides a targeted, compliance-focused opportunity for ISPs to expand service and reduce the digital divide by the end of 2026.

Ensure addresses follow template; incomplete applications will be rejected.