Ohio Invests $20 Million in Statewide Broadband Expansion Program
Com Net Inc. will construct a fiber network that spans 15 counties.
WASHINGTON, August 3, 2026 – Ohio is investing $20 million to expand the state’s broadband infrastructure across 15 counties.
On July 30, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R), along with BroadbandOhio, announced the $20 million in funding will go to Com Net Inc., an Ohio-based broadband provider, to construct a fiber network that spans Ohio from East to West through BroadbandOhio’s Route 30 Middle-Mile Infrastructure Project.
“Reliable high- speed internet starts with having the right infrastructure,” Gov. DeWine said in the Thursday, July 30 press release. “This project will significantly improve connectivity for those living and working along Route 30, providing easier access to the online tools that are necessary in today’s economy.”
The new network will follow the U.S. Route 30 corridor, span 15 counties and run near healthcare facilities, local governments, higher education institutions, businesses, schools and other critical facilities like Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base.
“We’re building infrastructure that will help communities along Route 30 compete, grow and attract new investment,” Ohio Department of Development Lydia Maihalik said in the release. “By strengthening one of northern Ohio’s key economic corridors, we’re creating new possibilities for businesses and communities from one side of the state to the other.”
The U.S. Route 30 Middle-Mile Infrastructure was established in 2025 by the Ohio legislature to support Route 30 corridor construction of commercially available broadband infrastructure.
The project will include construction of a fiber network, additional infrastructure and partnerships with major anchor tenants. Under the agreement, Com Net Inc. will have about two years from the start of construction to complete the project and make the infrastructure commercially available for at least 20 years.
A Point of Presence, a physical access point that connects networks, will also be constructed in the Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base to provide an important access point to the fiber network. The PoP will also increase the network’s ability to support the base and developments in the region.
The Ohio Academic Resources Network will oversee Ohio’s use of fiber capacity made throughout the project. The capacity will extend to community and public anchor institutions like libraries, schools and healthcare facilities.
The project is one of Broadband Ohio’s initiatives to bring connectivity to the state. The program oversees several funding programs, including the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment program, the Line Extension Program and digital inclusion grants across the state.
