Leaders prioritize internet access to lift communities
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted, and certainly exacerbated, the critical need to close the digital divide in Ohio’s rural communities. As our nation transitioned to completely remote learning for our children in 2020, it was quickly apparent just how big of a divide there is.
While ensuring students have proper access to educational materials is paramount, having access to a job is also fundamental for all families. The reality is, the benefits of adequate internet access are intertwined with virtually every aspect of our society, from education and workforce development to telemedicine and work mobility.
A recent Deloitte study shows direct correlation between broadband access and economic growth. By increasing access nationally, the report shows an average of 175,000 jobs and $37.2 billion in economic output can be achieved annually.
This type of economic growth has a direct impact on rural communities with a tremendous ripple effect. It increases job availability and wages, which leads to population growth, leading to higher property values, which provides increased funding for schools and spurs new business creation for the community. The cost benefit for the investment in broadband is undeniable.
Fortunately, Ohio has leaders who recognize the potential this infrastructure holds and have acted.
Last month, as part of their “Innovate Ohio Broadband Plan,” Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced new projects that will make affordable, high-speed internet available to nearly 100,000 Ohio households in 62 counties that do not currently have access to reliable internet.
This includes a $2 million grant for Spectrum to invest in Clark County, a project that will provide 1,165 households with highspeed internet.
Internet providers are also stepping up to independently fund expansion projects. AT&T reported in June they invested nearly $100 million in networks in the Dayton area from 2018 to 2020, and announced in December that fast fiber internet is now available to households in more than 75 Ohio communities including Beavercreek, Centerville, Dayton, Kettering, Oakwood, Riverside, Springfield and Trotwood.
The Ohio Legislature has also taken action to incentivize expanding broadband infrastructure. One of the first bills introduced and passed during this General Assembly was a measure establishing grants for providers to install last-mile infrastructure for Ohioans. This is in addition to a $250 million investment that legislators included in the state budget that was passed last summer.
Broadband Ohio estimates that 52,000 households will benefit from broadband expansion in 31 counties including Butler, Clinton, Darke, Green, Montgomery, Preble, Shelby and Warren counties and in total, around 230,000 residents will have improved broadband availability.
This crucial investment in expanding access for our rural and unserved areas is not just a boon for businesses, but for children, students and Ohio’s workforce for generations to come. I am encouraged that Gov. DeWine understands the importance of bridging the digital divide for Ohio’s economic prosperity and its future.