Connect Ohio Releases New County-Level Technology Adoption Data for Ohio’s 88 Counties

For Immediate Release

July 8, 2011

Contact: Amanda Murphy

614-214-6755 or amurphy@connectohio.org

COLUMBUS –Connect Ohio has released a new report detailing technology adoption on a county-level basis for each of the state’s 88 counties. The new report follows the release of statewide technology adoption data at Connect Ohio’s second quarter 2011 Technology Association meeting in Columbus June 24. Statewide, home broadband adoption has increased to 66% from 2008, which is above the national average of 63%.


“Every new user improves the economy and their own lives by embracing computing and high-speed Internet and we are very excited to see significant increases in adoption, above the national average, among Ohioans all across the state,” said Don Shirley, Connect Ohio executive director.


Since June 2008, Connect Ohio has provided mapping and research to identify broadband opportunities for Ohio’s citizens. Since its initial assessments, Connect Ohio has worked with both public and private partners to develop programs to increase broadband availability, adoption, and use.


The new county-level technology adoption data was gathered by Connect Ohio and Connected Nation, Connect Ohio’s parent organization, through a survey of Ohio adults. The detailed technology analysis explores adoption of computers and broadband use in households throughout the state.


Below is a sampling of key data from the research.


· In Franklin County, household broadband adoption grew from 67% in 2008 to 72% in 2011.

· Crawford County broadband adoption grew from just 31% in 2008 to 69% in 2011, a 123% growth.

· Meigs, Monroe, and Noble counties’ household broadband adoption growth rate was more than 150% between 2008 and 2011.

· Among the 24% of Jackson County residents who do not own a computer, 67% state the reason is that they do not see the need for a computer and 23% say computers are too expensive.

· The average monthly price paid for home broadband service in Gallia County is $50.83, which is above the state average of $43.41.

· 49% of Hocking County residents subscribe to home broadband service, below the state average of 66%.


The compiled data for each county is available for viewing on Connect Ohio’s website by clicking on the individual county profile pages.

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About Connect Ohio: 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.




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