Initiative to broaden access to internet
A new local initiative to help more people gain access to computers and affordable broadband is being launched by more than 20 public, private and nonprofit organizations in central Ohio.
The goal of the Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition (DEC) is to address broadband inequities. The group on Tuesday released the Franklin County Digital Equity Framework, a document that outlines priorities and goals.
The coalition will be led by a steering committee of organizations, cochaired by Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Mid-ohio Regional Planning Commission. Other participants include the Columbus Foundation, city of Columbus, Columbus State Community College, Jewish Family Services, National Digital Inclusion Alliance, PACT (Partners Achieving Community Transformation), Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Smart Columbus and the YWCA.
The group’s focus will be on broadband affordability, device ownership, digital life skills training and technology support to ensure that Franklin County residents “have the tools necessary to support education, health, wellbeing, economic prosperity and the ability to fully participate in society,” according to a statement issued Tuesday.
“It took the pandemic to bring clarity and urgency to the fact that students, seniors and others must have broadband to participate in and thrive in society,” said Patrick Losinski, Columbus Metropolitan Library CEO. “Because of the pandemic, there is a deeper understanding of the inequity or lack of access for many, as well as real momentum for bringing broadband to all residences, similar to the rural electrification program of the 1930s.”
According to 2019 U.S. Census Bureau data, one in five Franklin County households did not have a high-speed, wired internet account. And nearly 10% of all households in the county had internet access only through a cellular data plan.
About 48,000 Franklin County households reported having no home internet subscription of any kind in 2019.
“One of the best ways to get communities connected – and ensure residents aren’t left behind – is by teaming up to make digital inclusion one of our region’s top priorities,” Mid-ohio Regional Planning Commission Executive Director William Murdock said in the statement.
Among the group’s strategies will be to work with internet service providers “to increase enrollment in the existing discount broadband offerings available to low-income residents,” and provide new or refurbished, highquality devices from organizations such as PCS for People, according to the framework report.
Columbus Libraries’ 23 locations already provide free computer access, printers and training to the public. And many libraries have been loaning “hot spot” devices that provide internet signals via satellite feeds.
dnarciso@dispatch.com