Southern Ohio Communication Services, Inc. Expands Services

Company Name: Southern Ohio Communication Services, Inc
Industry Sector: Technology
Company Profile: Southern Ohio Communication Services, Inc is a last-mile internet service provider and woman-owned business. A last-mile internet service provider offers the network connections that link end-users to the wider internet.

Project Summary:

• JobsOhio program: JobsOhio Inclusion Grant (JOIG)
  • About program: The JOIG provides financial support for eligible projects in designated distressed communities and/or for businesses owned by underrepresented populations across the state.
  • Support amount: $50,000
• Type of Project: Expansion
• Location:
  • Location: Waverly
  • Region: Southeast Ohio
• Jobs:
  • Created: 5
  • Retained: 10
• Capital Investment: $3.8 million

About the project:

Southern Ohio Communication Services, Inc. plans to invest $3.8 million to provide 1 Gig optical fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) high-speed internet service over 64 miles to 1,300 residential and business customers in southern Ohio.

FTTH offers Gigibit-speeds that are considerably faster than a typical cable modem or DSL connection. This investment will help to extend high speed internet access to a largely underserved area.

Company officials indicated the investment represents the first phase of a two-phase approach to providing expanded optical fiber-to-home high-speed internet service within its rural footprint in Pike and Scioto Counties. Presently, Southern Ohio Communication Services plans to make an additional investment that will result in optical fiber-to-home high-speed Internet service to residents and businesses in southern Ohio.

Funding use:

The JobsOhio Inclusion Grant will be used toward building and engineering costs. 

CLICK HERE to read the full release.

Testimonial:

“We are excited to bring Gigibit-speed internet to the homes and businesses in Southern Ohio. The availability of fiber to the premises internet will improve the quality of life in rural areas. Connecting homes and businesses to the worldwide web increases access to healthcare, education, business and employment opportunities, gaming, social media, and entertainment in the beautiful hills of Southern Ohio. The proven economic benefits provided by Fiber to the premises include increased property values by attracting businesses and people to locate and reside in the area.” – Gary Cooper, president, Southern Ohio Communications

Collaborators:

JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), and Pike County Economic & Community Development