Monday | April 14, 2025
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Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative (PPEC) is officially launching the construction phase of its high-speed, reliable fiber internet project. This transformative step will bridge the digital divide for members and businesses across Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana. By fall 2025, the first customer should have fiber internet service.

ITG Communications hangs fiber mainline on April 15, 2025, for Paulding Putnam Electric Cooperative.

Mainline fiber construction began in the Latty substation area – specifically in Haviland – on April 15. PPEC’s contractor, ITG Communications, is hanging mainline fiber. Construction will continue in the Roselm substation area by June 2025.

Note: Service is not being installed at this time, but an interest form will be available soon.

This marks a historic milestone as the co-op expands its mission from delivering reliable electric service to also providing fast, affordable, and dependable internet.

On Monday, April 14, PPEC also held an employee and contractor meeting to discuss project expectations. State Representative and PPEC member Roy Klopfenstein attended the meeting to provide a legislative update and express his support.

State Rep Roy Klopfenstein attends fiber meeting at PPEC office April 14 and addresses employees.

PPEC staff with fiber internet contractors ITG Communications and NRTC during an all employee meeting on April 14, 2025
All of PPEC's staff and fiber internet contractors ITG Communications and NRTC during the all-employee update meeting on April 14, 2025 at PPEC headquarters. 

A Community-Focused Approach to Connectivity

PPEC’s fiber internet service arm is designed with the same member-first values that have defined the co-op’s electric operations. With many rural homes and businesses still lacking access to quality internet, this project is focused on delivering meaningful, lasting infrastructure improvements where they’re needed most.

“The electric side will benefit as well,” said Nick Eltzroth, PPEC Chief Operating Officer. “All members will see the benefit of connecting our substations using fiber technology. It will allow PPEC to detect and restore power outages more quickly with improved communication between equipment.”

The cooperative is also partnering with counties and villages throughout Ohio and Indiana to identify areas of need and ensure that expansion efforts align with local priorities.

Hiring for Broadband Talent

To support the growing demands of this service, PPEC is hiring for two key positions:

  • Broadband Technician
  • IT & Broadband Systems Manager

Those interested in applying can visit ppec.coop/employment for full job descriptions.

What’s Next & How Members Can Get Involved

In the coming months, PPEC will launch an online form so members can express interest in receiving service once internet becomes available in their area.

Members are also encouraged to help advocate for the project by submitting a short video explaining how reliable, high-speed internet would positively impact their lives or why it’s needed in their community. These stories may be used in promotional efforts to illustrate the real-world impact of this project.

Feedback and video submissions can be emailed to fiber@ppec.coop.

“We really do want to hear from you,” says CEO Randy Price. “The Paulding Putnam board and staff are driven to be member and community focused, using every experience to learn, improve what we do for you, and invest in your future. We look forward to serving in this new capacity.”

Stay Updated: Attend Member Appreciation Day July 12

PPEC will share progress updates on its website and social media channels. Additional information will be provided at the co-op’s Member Appreciation Day on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the co-op headquarters (401 McDonald Pike, Paulding, OH).

For the latest news and construction timelines, visit www.ppec.coop/fiberupdates. Members with questions can call the co-op at 800-686-2357.