Columbus, OH — Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced a significant investment of $50 million to enhance internet access across three counties in Southwest Ohio. This funding, provided through BroadbandOhio, will support a major expansion project aimed at improving broadband service in Adams, Brown, and Clermont counties.
The initiative, a collaboration between BroadbandOhio and altafiber, is set to cover approximately 38,000 addressable locations. This expansion will benefit 13,000 households and over 30,000 residents who currently lack adequate internet service.
Governor DeWine emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “My administration is committed to ensuring that all Ohioans, no matter where they live, have access to dependable, affordable high-speed internet. In today’s world, broadband access is an absolute necessity, and we’re not going to leave our rural communities behind.”
Lt. Governor Husted highlighted the transformative impact of the project, saying, “We’re opening up new economic, educational, and healthcare opportunities for thousands of people in Adams, Brown, and Clermont counties. This announcement means that these communities will no longer be left without essential internet access.”
The Multi-County Last Mile Fiber Build Pilot program will see altafiber design, construct, and install the necessary infrastructure to extend its fiber optic network to the region. This will include providing high-speed internet to both residential and business locations.
Director Mihalik noted, “Through this transformational, multi-county project, we’re taking a major step closer to ending the digital divide across Ohio. Whether it’s improving connectivity with loved ones, reaching a doctor via telehealth, or searching for a job, the people of Adams, Brown, and Clermont counties will reap immense benefits.”
The $110 million project will be funded with $50 million from BroadbandOhio and $60 million from altafiber. The state’s portion comes from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund. The buildout for Brown and Clermont counties is required to be completed by December 31, 2026, while the Adams County expansion, funded by altafiber, is expected to be finished within a year of the other counties’ projects.
Leigh Fox, President and CEO of altafiber, remarked, “Broadband fiber-to-the-home connectivity is essential for accessing educational, healthcare, and employment opportunities. It’s also a crucial economic development tool. We are proud to partner with the State of Ohio on this project that will enhance digital equity in Adams, Brown, and Clermont counties.”
For more information on the broadband expansion and its impact, visit the BroadbandOhio website.
