BroadbandOhio Investing $50 Million to Support Multi-County Expansion Project

Adams, Brown, Clermont counties to benefit from altafiber build

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced a state investment of $50 million in support of a broadband expansion project designed to improve internet coverage at approximately 38,000 addressable locations in Southwest Ohio.

BroadbandOhio, a division of the Department of Development, is partnering with altafiber to provide high-speed, affordable internet in Adams, Brown, and Clermont counties as part of a Multi-County Last Mile Fiber Build Pilot program.

"Groundbreaking projects like this help us move closer to fulfilling our commitment of providing digital access to all Ohioans, and at an affordable cost," said Governor DeWine. "We're dedicated to tackling the challenges unique to every region in our state because we know how crucial it is that everyone in our state has the access to high-speed internet that they need and deserve."

"Having high-speed internet access is essential to participating in the modern economy," said Lt. Governor Husted. "This project will open up new opportunities for thousands of people in Adams, Brown, and Clermont Counties. The funding today will provide them with the basic tools many of us with reliable internet capabilities take for granted."

Through the multi-county project, altafiber will undertake the necessary design, construction, and installation of equipment and infrastructure to extend its existing fiber optic network to approximately 38,000 single-family unit and multi-dwelling unit addressable locations within the service area, including 13,263 that are considered unserved or underserved.

The program will provide residents of Adams, Brown, and Clermont Counties access to altafiber's high-speed fiber-based network delivering multi-gig speeds to both residents and businesses located in the project area.

Once the buildout is completed, approximately 3,606 unserved and 3,390 underserved addresses in Adams County, 3,465 unserved and 1,753 underserved addresses in Brown County, and 766 unserved and 283 underserved addresses in Clermont will have improved internet capabilities.

"Through this transformational multi-county project, we're taking a major step closer to ending the digital divide across Ohio," said Director Mihalik. "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 are going to reap a huge benefit from this project for years to come and more fully experience why Ohio is the best place to live, work, and raise a family."

BroadbandOhio is providing $50 million of the total project cost of $110 million, with altafiber investing $60 million. State funding comes from the U.S. Department of Treasury's Capital Projects Fund.

The multi-county project must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026. Funding awarded from BroadbandOhio goes toward the buildout for Brown and Clermont counties, with the Adams County buildout coming from outside funding.

"Broadband fiber-to-the-home connectivity is essential in order for individuals and families to access educational, healthcare, and employment opportunities. It is also an important economic development tool in the attraction and retention of job-creating businesses," said Leigh Fox, President and CEO of altafiber. "We are proud to partner with the State of Ohio on this important project that will create more digital equity in Adams County, Brown County, and Clermont County."

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.