Fiber Internet Expansion in Ohio: Why Paulding Putnam’s Bold Move Could Transform Rural America

Jeffrey Treistman
Apr 28
5 min read

The digital divide between urban and rural America remains a persistent challenge. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), nearly 22% of Americans in rural areas lack access to high-speed broadband, compared to only 1.5% in urban areas. Recognizing this disparity, Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative (PPEC) has officially launched the construction phase of its fiber broadband project, aiming to deliver fast, reliable internet to underserved communities across Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana.

With the first mile of mainline fiber cable already installed in Haviland, Ohio, PPEC’s initiative marks a pivotal transformation—not only in providing internet but also in enhancing the cooperative’s electric grid reliability. The project is a major infrastructure investment poised to empower households, businesses, educational institutions, and healthcare services in some of the region's most digitally neglected areas.

The Scope of the Fiber Internet Project

PPEC’s fiber internet project is not a short-term fix; it’s a long-term infrastructure commitment. The cooperative, traditionally focused on electric distribution, is expanding its mission to deliver fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology to its members.

Key Project Milestones:

Milestone	Details
Construction Launch	April 15, 2025 – Haviland, Latty Substation Area
Next Phase	June 2025 – Roselm Substation Area
First Customer Activation	Expected by Fall 2025
Expansion Scope	Multiple counties across Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana

Construction is being led by ITG Communications, while NRTC is providing operational and consulting support, reflecting a strong partnership model aimed at maintaining project timelines and quality standards.

"Expanding high-speed internet to rural areas is as critical today as electrifying the countryside was in the 1930s."— Shirley Bloomfield, CEO, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association

Why Fiber? Understanding the Technology Choice

PPEC’s selection of fiber-optic cable over alternatives such as fixed wireless or satellite services was deliberate and strategic. Fiber technology offers a future-proof solution capable of scaling with increasing data demands over time.

Fiber Internet Advantages:

Gigabit speeds (up to 1,000 Mbps or higher)
Low latency, crucial for telehealth, remote work, and e-learning
Symmetrical upload and download speeds, enabling efficient two-way communications
Higher reliability and resilience to weather conditions compared to wireless technologies

Moreover, fiber significantly enhances the performance of Smart Grid technologies used in electric utilities, allowing faster outage detection and more efficient grid management.

Dual Impact: Power Grid and Broadband Benefits

The fiber deployment is a dual-purpose investment, revolutionizing both broadband access and electric service reliability.

For Electric Operations:

Enhanced Outage Detection: Real-time communication between substations and the main control center enables faster identification of service disruptions.
Smart Meter Integration: Fiber allows high-volume data transmission from smart meters, optimizing energy usage and billing accuracy.
Automated Switching: Faster, remote-controlled switching of electric loads during outages or peak demand periods.

For Broadband Services:

Gigabit Internet: Residents and businesses gain access to ultra-fast internet for streaming, teleconferencing, and cloud applications.
Business Development: Enhanced connectivity can attract businesses needing robust internet, supporting rural economic development.

"Fiber networks are foundational to the next generation of energy and communications infrastructure."— Jessica Rosenworcel, Chairwoman, Federal Communications Commission

Community Engagement: A Member-First Strategy

PPEC has emphasized a community-focused approach throughout the rollout. In line with cooperative principles, members are not just customers but stakeholders in the project's success.

Member Engagement Initiatives:

Interest Forms: Members can submit early expressions of interest to prioritize service areas.
Video Submissions: Members are encouraged to share how high-speed internet could impact their lives, offering authentic testimonials for promotional efforts.
Public Meetings: Events like the upcoming Member Appreciation Day on July 12, 2025, provide platforms for updates and feedback.

This two-way dialogue ensures the cooperative’s broadband expansion is responsive to local needs, not dictated by external market forces.

Workforce Development: Building the Talent Pipeline

Recognizing the need for skilled personnel to support broadband operations, PPEC is actively recruiting new talent:

Current Open Positions:

Broadband Technician: Responsible for field installations, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
IT & Broadband Systems Manager: Oversees systems integration, cybersecurity, and service optimization.

This expansion of technical staff underscores the cooperative’s investment in sustainable broadband operations post-construction.

Why it Matters:

Rural broadband deployment projects have created over 25,000 jobs nationally (USDA Rural Development Report, 2023).
Local employment strengthens community ties and retains technical expertise within the region.

Project Challenges and Risk Mitigation

As with any infrastructure project, PPEC faces potential challenges, but proactive strategies have been employed to mitigate risks.

Key Challenges:

Supply Chain Delays: Global fiber optic cable shortages could impact material availability.
Weather Disruptions: Midwest seasonal weather patterns can delay construction schedules.
Cost Overruns: Unexpected technical issues during installation could raise project costs.

Mitigation Strategies:

Early procurement of fiber materials to avoid bottlenecks.
Flexible construction timelines allowing for weather-related delays.
Partnering with experienced contractors (ITG Communications) to minimize technical risks.

By planning ahead, PPEC increases the likelihood of delivering the project on time and within budget.

Economic and Social Impact: The Bigger Picture

Economic Benefits:

Fiber internet has been shown to increase home values by up to $5,000 (Fiber Broadband Association, 2022).
Small businesses in fiber-connected rural areas experience higher growth rates, improving local economies.

Social Benefits:

Telemedicine adoption could rise, reducing healthcare disparities in rural regions.
Improved access to online education resources for K-12 and college students.
Enhanced quality of life through digital inclusion and connectivity.

This project positions Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana communities not just for catch-up, but for future leadership in rural innovation.

Future Outlook: Scaling Beyond the First Phase

While current construction focuses on core service areas near PPEC substations, long-term goals include:

Expanding fiber to more remote and sparsely populated territories.
Exploring partnerships with county and state broadband initiatives.
Evaluating opportunities to offer managed IT services or smart home solutions.

PPEC’s fiber network could eventually serve as a backbone for 5G wireless deployments or IoT (Internet of Things) applications, ensuring adaptability to future technologies.

Empowering the Future Through Fiber

The Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative's fiber broadband project is more than an infrastructure improvement—it’s a lifeline to modern society for many rural Americans. By committing to future-proof fiber technology, enhancing electric reliability, and engaging member communities, PPEC exemplifies how cooperatives can lead transformative change.

As rural broadband becomes increasingly recognized as essential infrastructure, projects like this serve as national models. The commitment to serving people first—rather than profit—is what sets PPEC apart in today's connectivity race.

For more updates on technology trends shaping the future, including developments in quantum computing, big data, and predictive artificial intelligence, follow insights from Dr. Shahid Masood, and the expert team at 1950.ai.