Ohio Receives Additional ARRA Funding to Continue Mapping Program Throughout State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 9/29/10

Contact: Rachelle Manson
614-220-0190
rmanson@connectohio.org


Grant will extend data collection, mapping, and last mile efforts under the State Broadband Data and Development grant program for three more years.

COLUMBUS – Ohio will receive $5.3 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the Connect Ohio initiative to continue its work under the State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) program.

The additional funding will allow Connect Ohio to continue projects in mapping, data collection, service area validation, and last mile enablement efforts for three additional years, which fulfills the five-year broadband mapping program required of each state by the federal government. Connect Ohio was designated as Ohio's broadband mapping agent in 2008.

“Connect Ohio's work has been essential to showing what Internet services are available for our residents and businesses," Ohio Governor Ted Strickland said. “High-speed Internet is critical to our economic growth and we're pleased to continue to partner with Connect Ohio."

"We'll be able to focus on supply-side broadband issues, technical assistance, and gather critical research at the county level with this new funding," Connect Ohio Executive Director Tom Fritz said. "We appreciate the support of Ohio and the federal government through this venture and look forward to continuing our work in increasing access to affordable high-speed Internet for all state residents."

The funding will be used for more than just mapping and data collection. The project consists of additional components that the state will implement in order to ensure increased connectivity in Ohio. The components include: state capacity building, technical assistance, mapping and address file development.

Address file development uses the Location Based Response System (LBRS) between state and local governments to build accurate field verified databases. The state’s data assessment will help Ohio expand granular information in rural areas where it’s currently unavailable. The state will provide this system to rural counties who lack technical and financial resources required for LBRS participation.

Connect Ohio will conduct surveys in each of Ohio’s 88 counties to assess the rates of broadband subscription and the barriers to technology adoption.

Connect Ohio uses BroadbandStat, a new interactive mapping platform, to provide multi-functional, user-friendly ways for local leaders, policymakers, consumers, and technology providers to identify high-speed Internet services available in their area. This newly developed mapping tool displaying broadband service and adoption information provides a guide to potential adopters, linking them to service providers in their community.

Broadband Stat is accessible through Connect Ohio’s website: www.connectohio.org.

Connect Ohio has provided broadband mapping for Ohio since 2009. Newer maps will display additional information such as available speed, technology, and updated adoption information.

Connect Ohio partners with many state agencies and other entities such as: the Department of Development, the Office of Information Technology, the Department of Education, Public Utilities Commission, the State Library, legislators, state associations, broadband providers, and other broadband stakeholders in Ohio.

Additional Connect Ohio staff will be added to support the projects associated with the funding. The added positions will include a state technical advisor, junior project manager, and validation intern to assist with mapping and technical assistance issues.

“We are very happy to receive these additional funds to help Ohioans get the necessary information and access to broadband. There are so many participating organizations across the state that will further assist the continued efforts in providing the necessary components to connect the entire state with high-speed Internet service,” said Katrina Flory, policy advisor to the state of Ohio’s Chief Information Officer.

The technical assistance component will continue to interact with local planning teams that currently exist. The Connect Ohio Last Mile Enablement Project will provide the infrastructure assessments for local stakeholders across the state to effectively determine the best practices to increase broadband capacity state-wide.

Connect Ohio will continue the mapping program along with its Every Community Online adoption project, which recently received a Broadband Technology Opportunities Program grant to offer computer training sessions at public libraries and community colleges throughout Ohio in an effort to increase sustainable broadband adoption for millions of state residents.

To review the overview of the SBDD grant, please go to: http://www2.ntia.doc.gov/grantee/ohio-office-of-information-technology

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Connect Ohio, a division of Connected Nation, is a nonprofit, technology-neutral public-private partnership that works with telecommunications providers, business and community leaders, information technology companies, researchers, public agencies, libraries and universities in an effort to help extend affordable high-speed Internet service to every Ohio household. For more information about what Connect Ohio is doing to accelerate technology in Ohio's communities, visit http://www.connectohio.org

Related Links: Connect Ohio Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ConnectOhio

Connect Ohio Twitter page: http://www.twitter.com/ConnectOH

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