Ohio announces $20 million broadband expansion along U.S. Route 30

Ohio is investing $20 million to expand broadband infrastructure along the U.S. Route 30 corridor across northern Ohio.

Governor Mike DeWine and BroadbandOhio announced that Com Net, Inc. will receive the funding to construct a fiber-based network running from east to west across the state.

The network will follow U.S. Route 30 through 15 counties and pass near schools, colleges, healthcare facilities, local governments, businesses and other critical facilities.

The project will also support Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base, home of the 179th Cyberspace Wing, and the nearby Mansfield Industrial Park.

State officials say the project will create additional middle-mile infrastructure, which serves as the backbone of a broadband network by carrying large amounts of data between communities and the broader internet.

Expanding that infrastructure is expected to make it easier and less expensive for internet providers to extend high-speed service to homes and businesses.

Com Net will be required to make the new infrastructure commercially available for at least 20 years. The company will have 24 months from the beginning of construction to complete the project.

Plans also include a new Point of Presence serving Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base. The access point will increase network capacity for the base, nearby businesses and future development in the region.

OARnet will oversee the state’s use of fiber capacity made available through the project. Some of that capacity may also be available to schools, libraries, healthcare facilities and other eligible public institutions.

The Route 30 Middle-Mile Infrastructure Project was created through Ohio’s current biennial budget.