BroadbandOhio: MARCS Tower Pilot Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for Internet Service Providers operating in Ohio's Appalachian communities. Applicants must be ready to deploy broadband service via MARCS tower infrastructure. Service establishment by October 1, 2021 is required.
ISPs must manage their own engineering analysis and backhaul service arrangements. Applicants are responsible for tower reinforcement costs if needed. Power access is negotiated separately with the Department of Administrative Services.
This grant is for Internet Service Providers operating in Ohio's Appalachian communities. Applicants must be ready to deploy broadband service via MARCS tower infrastructure. Service establishment by October 1, 2021 is required.
ISPs must manage their own engineering analysis and backhaul service arrangements. Applicants are responsible for tower reinforcement costs if needed. Power access is negotiated separately with the Department of Administrative Services.
Program description
The state of Ohio through the Office of BroadbandOhio is launching a pilot program to provide low-cost internet service to Ohio Appalachian communities using the state’s Multi-Agency Radio Communications System (MARCS) towers. The pilot program will provide grants to Internet Service Providers to offset the monthly cost of access to the MARCS towers. Awardees will enter into a grant with the Ohio Development Services Agency to offset the costs of access to the tower(s) and a license agreement with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) granting the right to place equipment on the tower(s). Companies will then provide internet service to businesses and households in the community served by the tower. The grant will only cover the monthly costs associated with the tower access. Applicants should note the following: • Access to power will be negotiated with DAS separately. • The grantee will be responsible for any engineering analysis necessary to make sure that the tower can hold the equipment and will be responsible for any up-front cost of reinforcing the tower to hold the equipment. • The grantee will be responsible for obtaining its own backhaul service. Grantees will be required to establish service by October 1, 2021. Visit https://www.development.ohio.gov/bs/marcstowerpilot.htm for the MARCS Tower locations that are part of the pilot program.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for Internet Service Providers operating in Ohio's Appalachian communities. Applicants must be ready to deploy broadband service via MARCS tower infrastructure. Service establishment by October 1, 2021 is required.
ISPs must manage their own engineering analysis and backhaul service arrangements. Applicants are responsible for tower reinforcement costs if needed. Power access is negotiated separately with the Department of Administrative Services.
How to apply
Application links
Program contact
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