Broadbandohio seeks universal internet coverage across state
COLUMBUS – The Ohio Department of Development’s office of Broadbandohio announced another milestone in its continuing mission of providing high-speed internet access to all Ohioans.
Ohio received nearly $800 million from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program last summer to expand internet access to Ohioans currently caught in the digital divide.
As part of the process, Broadbandohio is asking key stakeholders to help ensure Ohioans who lack connectivity are represented.
“Broadbandohio is
Metro
working with our local partners to help identify everyone in our state who still lacks access to
high-speed internet,” Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development, said in a
May 17 announcement. “Through these collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, we’re working to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.”
From May 28 through June 17, internet service providers, local governments, and nonprofit organizations can submit challenges to the federal broadband map by identifying all eligible addresses in their communities.
After the 21-day challenge window closes, a 21-day rebuttal phase to provide counter evidence to challenges will open July 1, and run until July 22.
A final, 30-day determination phase will then run from July 23, to Aug. 21. Once the final map of locations is finalized, it will be posted on the Broadbandohio website.
Broadbandohio will host an informational webinar and Q&A for internet service providers on May 22 to provide guidance and support regarding the challenge process.
Funds from BEAD will comprise the third and fourth rounds of the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant (ORBEG) program, which has awarded more than $232 million in grants to 11 internet service providers.
Another $77.5 million was made available during the second round of the ORBEG program, which was financed through the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, and is currently in the process of being awarded.
This BEAD challenge process is separate and distinct from previous challenge processes held by Broadbandohio.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.