Q1 Report_Final_FINAL_public copy

Broadband Leadership Services
Quarterly Report to Ohio
Development Services Agency
4/30/2015
Table of Contents
Letter from the Executive Director ................................................................................. 4
Ohio’s Broadband Landscape ....................................................................................... 6
Community Planning and Technical Assistance.......................................................... 8
Broadband Inquiries: ..................................................................................................... 9
Regional Meetings:...................................................................................................... 11
Communications: ........................................................................................................ 12
Blogs ........................................................................................................................... 12
Press Releases ........................................................................................................... 13
E-Newsletter .............................................................................................................. 13
Social Media ............................................................................................................. 14
Mapping and Visualization ............................................................................................ 15
Customized Broadband Maps .................................................................................. 16
Ohio House and Senate Customized Maps and Datasets ................................ 16
Customized Maps and Datasets for Appalachia Ohio...................................... 21
Validation...................................................................................................................... 23
Research ....................................................................................................................... 23
Policy ................................................................................................................................. 24
Conclusion .................................................................................................................... 27
Appendix 1: Blogs ........................................................................................................... 28
Demand Aggregation ................................................................................................ 28
How Technology Is Changing The Business ............................................................. 29
Net Neutrality ............................................................................................................... 30
Connect Ohio Announces New Executive Director at Tech Lobby Day ........... 31
Appendix 2: Press Releases ........................................................................................... 32
Appendix 3: Newsletters ................................................................................................ 34
Appendix 4: Copy of Provider Outreach Email for Broadband Maps ................... 46
Appendix 5: Ohio Broadband Provider Roster ........................................................... 47
Appendix 6: Sample District Factsheet ........................................................................ 52
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Letter from the Executive Director
April 30, 2015
Director Goodman,
It is my privilege to report Connect Ohio’s progress to
the Ohio Development Services Agency (DSA) during
the first quarter of 2015. Connect Ohio endeavors to
maintain transparent communication with DSA and
other key stakeholders to ensure that these
comprehensive quarterly reports address our
deliverables and foster enhanced partnership. Each
report will seek to quantify the degree to which
Connect Ohio has executed our key deliverables as
described in our grant agreement.
This quarter was replete with Connect Ohio community planning,
technical assistance, and policy initiatives, and included several exciting
changes within our organization as well.
Among several reprioritizations that Connect Ohio and our parent
nonprofit organization, Connected Nation, have made to ensure we
effectively execute our mission to advance broadband access, adoption,
and use in the state, on March 16, I stepped into the role of Executive
Director for Connect Ohio. Included in this was the transition of Stu
Johnson to Vice President for Digital Works; a role that enables him to
provide comprehensive leadership for all aspects of that technology skills
training program. Stu and I continue to work from the Columbus office
and collaborate during this transitional period to ensure consistent support
for Ohio’s state leaders, stakeholders, and communities.
Connect Ohio is working hard to deliver results and fortify the state’s
ongoing national leadership in the rapid evolution of broadband through
our powerfully effective programs. As further detailed in this report, our
team is fully engaged with public and private stakeholders in all sectors of
Ohio’s communities in order to facilitate broadband access, adoption,
and use expansion. This quarter:
•
Connect Ohio received 43 broadband inquiries from individuals
who would otherwise lack support in their pursuit of high-speed
Internet.
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•
•
Connect Ohio placed emphasis on enhanced stakeholder
outreach and more than doubled the number of unique readers of
its monthly e-Newsletter between February and March.
Connect Ohio offered a federal policy briefing entitled “Net
Neutrality and its Potential Impact on Ohio” to members of the Ohio
Broadband & Technology Caucus.
While the first quarter of our work with the Ohio Development Services
Agency demonstrates visible, positive results, as evidenced by the
infographic that follows, there remains much work to be done. We
welcome your involvement as we work together to strengthen our
communities and solidify Ohio’s competitiveness in the twenty-first century
global economy through enhanced broadband.
Respectfully submitted,
Lindsay Shanahan
Executive Director
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Ohio’s Broadband Landscape
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Community Planning and Technical Assistance
At its most basic definition, Connect Ohio’s Community Planning & Technology
Assistance helps constituents with connectivity needs and concerns. With leadership
and technical acumen from our Technical Assistance staff, Connect Ohio conducts
infrastructure and local asset evaluations, as requested, and develops and coordinates
local broadband planning teams and community projects to offer solutions to unique
community barriers to broadband access, adoption, and use expansion.
Throughout its tenure, Connect Ohio has supported significant, local broadband
planning and implementation projects across the state. With the support from the Ohio
Development Services Agency, Connect Ohio has continued providing technical
assistance for the assessment, planning, and implementation of community broadband
programs that accelerate local technology growth and increase the state’s global
technology competitiveness.
The following map contains active technical assistance projects initiated during the first
quarter of 2015, including the scope of the projects undertaken and Connect Ohio’s
contribution.
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Broadband Inquiries:
Connect Ohio continued to maintain its dedicated broadband outreach office in
Columbus, and solicit feedback via phone, email, and website; all of which are
available to public and private stakeholders at the local, regional, and state levels.
Through these communication outlets, Connect Ohio gathers what we term
“broadband inquiries;” requests for assistance in securing broadband, securing a
specific broadband service, gaining access to faster or less expensive Internet options,
and more. These broadband inquiries provide residents and stakeholders with a direct
link to Connect Ohio’s team of engineers and geographic information system (GIS)
professionals. Connect Ohio’s online broadband inquiry form is available at
http://connectohio.org/broadband-inquiry. The following are examples of broadband
inquiries we received this quarter:
“We moved here two years ago and are unable to get internet access. You see,
I am a deaf engineering professional who (used) to rely on logging in work
computer from home during the off hours. Now, I have to drive 20 minutes to the
workplace location, just to do some basic computer functions. We are just ½
mile away from the nearest tap!”-Michael and Ann, Franklin, Ohio
“We are planning to relocate to the Lebanon-Cincinnati area. We have an inhome business and need fiber optics for the speed. Can you help us identify
areas where we should be looking to get the fiber optic speed?” Madonna IconLogic, Inc., Lebanon-Cincinnati, Ohio
Feedback from broadband inquiries also enables Connect Ohio to validate the
accuracy of our statewide broadband maps (detailed further in the following section);
assist in confirming a provider’s availability at the address level; identify and analyze
service needs at a specific region, town, or street address; and demonstrate and drive
demand for broadband in unserved areas.
Historically, Connect Ohio has received over 3,500 broadband inquiries from residents
across the state, and facilitated broadband access expansion to resolve 94% of cases,
as depicted in the map that follows. This quarter, Connect Ohio received 43
broadband inquiries submitted online through our broadband inquiry database. Each
of the inquiries has been researched for resolution with potential outcomes
communicated to the resident.
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Regional Meetings:
Connect Ohio also organizes, hosts,
and participates in regional
meetings that gather critical state
and community technology leaders
across Ohio’s broadband
ecosystem to coalesce priorities
and coordinate policy and
investment to accelerate
broadband access, adoption, and
use statewide.
This quarter Connect Ohio attended
the Ohio Wireless Internet Service
Providers Association (WISPA)
Senators Joe Uecker (District 14) and Bob Peterson (District 17) meeting
with members of the Ohio Wireless Internet Service Providers Association
meeting on March 6 with Senators
(WISPA) on March 6, 2015.
Joe Uecker (District 14) and Bob
Peterson (District 17). The purpose of this meeting was to discuss fixed wireless Internet
access and barriers to expansion.
The formal meeting began with a tour of Country Connection’s facility, located at 107
North Hinde Street in Washington Court House, and included displays of the various
components required to support and deliver fixed wireless Internet. Each of the
participating organizations shared a brief success story, followed by what each
organization needs in order to reach unserved areas of Ohio. Five WISPS were
represented at the meeting, including: Kurt Frankhauser from Bucyrus, representing
Wavelink; Mark Stephenson and Larry Schriver from Washington Court House,
representing Country Connections; Gary Cooper from Waverly, representing Southern
Ohio Communications; Josh Luthman from Troy, representing Imagine Networks; and
Mark Radabaugh from Toledo, representing Amplex. The Fayette County Economic
Development Director, Godwin Ataliyah, was also in attendance for the meeting.
Connect Ohio’s Senior Manager of Technical Assistance, Bart Winegar, and members of the Ohio WISPA in attendance
at the meeting with Senator Uecker and Senator Peterson on March 6, 2015.
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Communications:
Building upon Connect Ohio’s outreach precedent, this quarter we focused our
stakeholder communications efforts on enhancing awareness across all aspects of our
program, providing timely updates on Connect Ohio’s activities and community
support, and fostering direct engagement and active participation among
stakeholders through social media interactions. We continued to provide outreach and
awareness campaigns to highlight broadband successes and opportunities in the state
through weekly blog posts, timely press releases, and the e-Newsletter.
Stakeholder communications throughout this quarter were measured according to the
number of people reached, page followers, links clicked, and “likes” when applicable
on the social media outlet. The positive media impressions received this quarter were
largely the result of the following events and distributions: Connect Ohio February and
March e-Newsletters, a press release introducing the new Executive Director, several
blogs on topics including demand aggregation and net neutrality, and our
participation at Tech Lobby Day at the Statehouse. Connect Ohio also benefitted from
numerous indirect impressions secured as a state subsidiary of Connected Nation.
This quarter Connect Ohio also coordinated with Digital Works staff in order to
distinguish and streamline our respective community outreach efforts through tailored
newsletters and separate social media accounts. Since this change did not occur until
mid-way through the quarter, certain outreach materials encompassed both programs.
Instances in which this occurred are clearly noted in the subsections that follow. Future
quarterly reports will contain only Connect Ohio content.
Blogs
Accompanying the transition to a new Executive Director and delineation from Digital
Works, Connect Ohio set the goal of releasing three blog posts each week: 1 weekly
blog from the Executive Director focused on broadband policy, 1 weekly blog from our
Senior Manager of Technical Assistance highlighting our work in the field, and 1 weekly
blog from our Communications Specialist on a general technology topic. The goal for
these blogs is to offer stakeholder interaction that is less formal than a press release, yet
contains more content than a social media post.
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Links to these blogs and their accompanying social media metrics are included in the
table below:
Title
Link
Connect Ohio Announces New
Executive Director at Tech Lobby Day
http://connectohio.org/blog/post/connectohio-announces-new-executive-directortech-lobby-day
Net Neutrality
http://connectohio.org/blog/post/netneutrality
Demand Aggregation
http://connectohio.org/blog/post/demandaggregation
How Technology is Changing the Business http://connectohio.org/blog/post/howtechnology-changing-business
For the full text of the above blog posts, please see Appendix 1.
Press Releases
Connect Ohio issues press releases in conjunction with major organizational
announcements. This quarter, a press release surrounding the announcement of the
new Executive Director was drafted and posted on Connect Ohio’s website at:
http://connectohio.org/recent-news/new-connect-ohio-executive-director-targettechnology-adoption-gaps-statewide.
This release was distributed to 393 media contacts in 87 counties, and published by
Hannah News Service:
http://www.hannah.com/DesktopDefaultPublic.aspx?type=hns&id=199254.
For full text of the release, please see Appendix 2.
E-Newsletter
With many stakeholders out of the office at the start of January, Connect Ohio decided
it was best to only release e-Newsletters for February and March this quarter. Since the
February edition was released prior to the change in executive director and separation
of Digital Works, in addition to several federal broadband policy updates, it included
the latest Digital Works announcements at that time. The Connect Ohio February eNewsletter was read by 224 unique users.
The March newsletter announced the change in Connect Ohio’s Executive Director
and contained the various blog posts released throughout the month. The March
newsletter metrics demonstrate Connect Ohio’s focus on enhanced outreach - the
March newsletter was read by 592 unique readers, an increase of 368 viewers from the
month prior.
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As noted at the close of this newsletter, we plan to re-launch and reinvigorate the
Connect Ohio newsletters, moving from a monthly to weekly format, beginning in May.
For the full text of the newsletters, please see Appendix 3.
Social Media
Connect Ohio has active social media accounts on Twitter (twitter.com/ConnectOH),
LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com/company/connect-ohio), and Facebook
(www.facebook.com/ConnectOhio).
This quarter, Connect Ohio Twitter followers increased from 1,299 to 1,358, Facebook
“fans” reached 1,206, and the LinkedIn page achieved 86 followers. Our 41 tweets, 25
Facebook posts, and 11 LinkedIn updates tracked rich social media engagement,
particularly for the announcement of our new Executive Director, blogs, and “People
on the Move” in Columbus Business First.
Connect Ohio's Facebook Cover
Connect Ohio's Twitter Handle
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Mapping and Visualization
Connect Ohio serves as the state’s single, comprehensive broadband repository.
Through our substantial mapping and corresponding research, Connect Ohio is able to
benchmark and track the progress of broadband access, adoption, and use in Ohio;
securely maintain this data; and provide My ConnectView™, a publicly-available,
interactive mapping tool capable of delivering customized searches and detailed
connectivity options at the address level. This information empowers informed analysis
and planning support, and ensures that state and local leaders have access to
accurate, detailed information on Ohio’s current broadband landscape and future
needs. Historically, My ConnectView™ has received 23,624 views; this quarter, 888
visitors accessed the digital map available at
http://connectohio.org/mapping/_interactive_map_interface/?q=map.
The above image is a screenshot of My ConnectView TM
Provider engagement and validation are essential to gathering this meaningful,
accurate data. Connect Ohio is currently conducting provider outreach and
broadband data collection to determine the status of Ohio’s broadband ecosystem. A
request for information to update Ohio’s broadband maps was sent to providers at the
end of March, with all data submissions due May 8. The statewide map is projected to
be released on June 9, 2015.
Historically, Connect Ohio has engaged 123 viable providers across the state and
experienced a 97.56% provider participation rate in its data gathering, with 120
providers voluntarily submitting information for inclusion in the state broadband maps.
We anticipate similar participation rates in the data gathering and broadband
mapping cycle currently underway.
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For an Ohio broadband provider roster, please see Appendix 5.
Connect Ohio will work with providers, as we have in the past, to ensure that the data
and other information provided accurately represents current services. Connect Ohio
requests that providers supply coverage data in as granular a format as possible at the
address level. This level of detail allows for more accurate map creation, and more
detailed analysis. This also differentiates Connect Ohio’s broadband maps from the
information that providers supply to the federal government under the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Form 477. Form 477 filings are mandatory every six
months for all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that offer residential service. However, this
filing only requests coverage areas by census block, not address level, which has the
potential to result in a map that overstates connectivity.
Customized Broadband Maps
Connect Ohio is also charged with production of custom broadband maps, including
the generation of state broadband service availability maps, and integration of
specialized datasets.
Ohio House and Senate Customized Maps and Datasets
This quarter, maps by House district and Senate district were created to depict
broadband coverage at 3 Mbps download/ 768 kbps upload, 10 Mbps download/ 1.5
Mbps upload, maximum residential broadband download speed, and density of
broadband providers by district. Examples of these maps are provided below for
Speaker Rosenberger’s Ohio House District 91:
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In addition to district maps, Connect Ohio worked with Connected Nation’s GIS
Services department to create district factsheets based upon data collected in our
October 2014 broadband mapping cycle. These maps and the corresponding district
factsheet are available to Connect Ohio staff for meetings, or at the request of the
General Assembly, and will be updated during our spring mapping cycle, projected for
release in the second quarter of 2015.
For a sample District Factsheet, please see Appendix 6.
Customized Maps and Datasets for Appalachia Ohio
This quarter, Connect Ohio, with support from Connected Nation, also created
materials comparing broadband availability in Ohio’s Appalachian region with
availability statewide and in non-Appalachian regions. This information is represented in
the table and map that follow. It is important to note, however, that while statewide
84.51% of Ohioans have access to broadband at speeds of 25 Mbps download/ 3
Mbps upload, this is concentrated in only 38.62% of the state.
Ohio Broadband Availability
October 2014
Speeds
3 Mbps Download/768 Kbps Upload
10 Mbps Download/1.5 Mbps Upload
25 Mbps Download/3 Mbps Upload
Total Number of Households
Appalachia Statewide
91.39%
98.09%
68.33%
89.89%
61.16%
84.51%
803,465
4,603,435
NonAppalachia
99.51%
94.45%
89.45%
3,799,970
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Validation
To ensure its accuracy, Connect Ohio validates all data received from participating
providers. Connect Ohio’s validation process is informed with, among other methods,
the broadband inquiries provided by consumers and local stakeholders, as described
previously.
In areas of the state in which
providers are unable to supply
broadband data, Connect Ohio
employs several techniques to
estimate the service territory.
Connect Ohio uses this data to
build customer awareness
regarding service options
available in their area, and
encourage provider infrastructure
build-out in localities without
coverage.
Detailed, accurate broadband
data enables more than
informed decision making.
Connect Ohio’s mapping and
validation helps bring broadband
to rural areas of the state and
eliminates the connectivity gap
among industries traditionally not
associated with the Internet, such
as agriculture. As a result, these
entities are able to transition from
locally dependent businesses to
nationally competitive
operations.
Research
Connect Ohio’s peer-reviewed research and technology studies measure the rates and
related barriers to broadband adoption in order to inform targeted action by
policymakers to maintain Ohio’s leadership in accordance with national broadband
developments and trends.
Connect Ohio is currently researching for its whitepaper on broadband as an
education tool, both for school-age children and for adults in continuing education,
and its impact on economic development and ensuring that Ohio has a competitive
workforce. We will be conducting a statewide examination of this topic, and
comparing connectivity to the FCC’s recent definition of “advanced broadband” at 25
Mbps download/ 3 Mbps upload, in part due to increased demand for video streaming
and other services in education.
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Policy
As broadband technology has rapidly
expanded, Connect Ohio has provided factbased analysis of these developments and
their associated impact on shifting federal,
state, and local policy priorities. Connect
Ohio continues to translate and provide
analysis and insights into the changing
technology landscape to position the state
to take full advantage of new opportunities
created by these evolving policy priorities.
In accordance with our contract with the
Ohio Developmental Services Agency, this
quarter Connect Ohio, with support from
Connected Nation, has provided ongoing
state and federal policy monitoring and
analysis through regular, written policy
briefings on federal broadband policy
reforms and industry trends impacting Ohio’s
broadband competitiveness. Policy briefs
released during Q1 2015 are listed below
from most recent to oldest:
Connect Ohio's Senior Manager of Technical Assistance,
Bart Winegar, poses a question to FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler
after Wheeler’s presentation at The Ohio State University
Moritz College of Law on March 27, 2015
February 27, 2015: FCC Adopts Net Neutrality Rules, Establishes New Regulatory
Framework for Broadband Services:
http://www.connectednation.org/sites/default/files/bb_pp/fcc_adopts_net_neu
trality_rules_establishes_new_regulatory_final.pdf
February 26, 2015: FCC Votes to Expand Publicly Owned Municipal Broadband:
http://www.connectednation.org/sites/default/files/bb_pp/20150226_connecte
d_nation_policy_brief_on_municipal_broadband_order.pdf
February 6, 2015: FCC Chairman Releases Details of Net Neutrality Regulation:
http://www.connectednation.org/sites/default/files/bb_pp/20150206_connecte
d_nation_policy_brief_on_wheeler_net_neutrality_proposal.pdf
January 29, 2015: FCC Defines “Advanced Broadband” to be 25 Mbps down/ 3
Mbps up:
http://www.connectednation.org/sites/default/files/bb_pp/policy_brief_on_new
_fcc_broadband_definition_final.pdf
January 26, 2015: Net Neutrality: An Update:
http://www.connectednation.org/sites/default/files/bb_pp/20150126_connecte
d_nation_policy_brief_on_net_neutrality_current_events.pdf
January 14, 2015: President Obama Launches Community Broadband Initiative:
http://www.connectednation.org/sites/default/files/bb_pp/policy_brief_on_presi
dential_community_broadband_initiative.pdf
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Connect Ohio has also provided, as requested, direct, senior policy consultations in
support of key state technology objectives, including federal funding changes and
programs available to state and private sector technology stakeholders to maximize
Ohio’s competitiveness in federal
reforms and trends.
This quarter, Connect Ohio’s
Executive Director, Lindsay
Shanahan, and Connected Nation’s
Chief Policy Counsel, Tom Koutsky
provided a federal policy briefing on
Net Neutrality and its potential
impact on Ohio to members of the
Ohio Broadband & Technology
Caucus at a meeting hosted by
Senator Uecker.
Tom Koutsky (Connected Nation) and Lindsay Shanahan met with
members of the Ohio Broadband & Technology Caucus on March 25.
Other recent developments in
federal broadband policy that
Connect Ohio and Connected
Nation are monitoring are included
below:
Net Neutrality: On February 26, 2015, the FCC adopted a set of strong network
neutrality rules and regulatory framework that will govern the manner in which
broadband ISPs offer service to consumers and businesses. A key component of
the FCC’s action was to classify broadband Internet access services as
“common carrier” services, which opens the door to regulate broadband ISPs as
public utilities. If not struck down due to judicial challenge, this Order will impact
every broadband provider in Ohio.
Municipal Broadband: In January 2015, President Obama announced his
Community Broadband Initiative, which included the President’s call to end state
laws that restrict municipal broadband networks. The following month the FCC
voted to preempt laws in two states that inhibited the creation or expansion of
municipal broadband networks. Ohio has no relevant state statute that was
impacted, although the Order could conceivably constrain the state’s
jurisdiction to legislate in the future.
E-rate: The FCC’s E-rate program provides support for telecommunications and
broadband service to private and public schools and libraries. E-rate represents
an important funding source for Ohio schools and libraries – in 2013, over $70
million in E-rate funds were disbursed to eligible entities in Ohio. In 2014, the FCC
released two E-rate Modernization Orders marking the most significant reform to
the program since its inception, and impacting school and library budgets as
early as 2015.
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Connect America Fund: The FCC’s Connect America Fund aims to support
robust broadband infrastructure that can sustain 21st century online activities in
rural regions. The FCC allocates CAF funds according to the National Broadband
Map that, to-date, has been informed by Connect Ohio’s mapping. The FCC is
now implementing CAF Phase II, which will target up to $1.8 billion in annual
subsidies to support 10 Mbps down/1 Mbps up fixed broadband infrastructure in
underserved areas.
Rural Broadband Experiment: Created in January 2014 and part of the CAF, the
Rural Broadband Experiment program seeks to determine how the FCC could
allocate broadband network subsidies to rural communities in a cost-effective
way through competitive bidding. Connect Ohio assisted multiple organizations
with an “Expression of Interest” in the Rural Broadband Experiment program;
however, none of the selected bids, which could receive nearly $100 million in
subsidies to build broadband networks, are currently impacting Ohio.
IP Transition: The transition from traditional telephone to an IP-based network is,
according to FCC Chairman Wheeler, a significant event in the nation’s
telecommunications infrastructure, and the “challenge is to preserve the values
that consumers and businesses have come to expect from their networks, while
unleashing new waves of investment and innovation, which will deliver untold
benefits for the American people.” Already enacted in other states, Ohio’s IP
transition will require robust broadband infrastructure, accurate broadband
mapping, and consumer and business education.
To ensure delivery of all Connected Nation policy briefs, Connect Ohio provides an RSS
feed (http://www.connectednation.org/filings/rss), which will be updated immediately
after a new brief is posted online.
Connect Ohio staff
members sharing
information with
Representative Anielski
during "Tech Lobby Day" on
March 17, 2015.
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Conclusion
It has been Connect Ohio’s privilege to work with the Ohio Development Services
Agency this quarter toward the goal of improving broadband access, adoption, and
use throughout the state. We hope our first quarter 2015 accomplishments are reflective
of our high standards for transparency and exceptional service.
While this report has highlighted many successes under this new collaboration, it is
evident that additional work remains in order to ensure that all Ohio businesses,
communities, and residents are connected to twenty-first century broadband and have
the skills and support to use the technology to its fullest. To continue advancing toward
this goal, during the second quarter of 2015 we will continue our community planning
and technical assistance support and broadband and technology policy analysis. We
are also projected to release our updated statewide broadband maps and new white
paper this quarter.
Connect Ohio looks forward to continuing its partnership with DSA to build strong
communities and solidify Ohio’s standing in the interconnected global economy.
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Appendix 1: Blogs
Demand Aggregation
By Bart Winegar
Demand aggregation is the process of identifying a group of unserved residents and
businesses who are interested in subscribing to high-speed Internet. The demand
aggregation process is a vital first step when attempting to entice a broadband
Internet Service Provider (ISP) into an unserved area.
Connect Ohio assists with the demand aggregation process by mapping broadband
inquiries and sharing the map and locations with potential ISPs. We routinely
communicate with over 100 providers throughout the state to stay abreast of their
expansion projects and bring awareness to potential markets.
A great recent example of the process is an unserved area of south Zanesville where a
motivated resident collected the names and addresses of nearly 40 neighbors. Each
resident expressed sincere interest in subscribing to broadband. Connect Ohio
provided mapping resources and technical consulting and also facilitated discussions.
Today we have an interested ISP conducting a feasibility study with a high likelihood of
serving the area. We plan to post additional blogs as this project unfolds.
How can you become involved? The most efficient way to communicate your interest is
to use the online web form. However, we also accept broadband inquiries by
telephone (866-881-9424) and email. If you live or work in an unserved area, and would
like to be part of the demand aggregation process, we invite you to contact us.
Demand aggregation alone does not guarantee broadband availability, but without it,
an unserved area is likely to remain unserved.
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How Technology Is Changing The Business
By Brad Ingles
Do you remember Encyclopedias? No? What about video rental stores? It seems that a
lot of traditional businesses have started to change their practices or face extinction.
If you were a family in the 80’s and you wanted to plan a vacation, you would find the
closest travel agent, call and make an appointment, drive to their office, and plan a
vacation. Today, the web hosts hundreds of websites geared to do just that through
online services like Kayak, Orbitz, and Travelocity. In an effort to continue superior
service, many travel agents are taking their business online and turning their stores into
internal tour centers for the surrounding city. By taking their business online they
continue to stay in the game while some companies that fail to adopt these principles
find themselves out of the game entirely.
Blockbuster was one of the largest video rental chains in the United States and now
feels like a distant memory. Netflix and Redbox have transformed the way we watch
movies, but could Blockbuster have stayed in the game? Former Blockbuster CEO John
Antioco, knew this threat could mean the end of Blockbuster. Antioco launched a new
promotional platform for Blockbuster that would include online streaming and video
delivery, while also dropping those pesky late fees. Blockbuster spent about $200 million
dropping late fees and another $200 million to launch Blockbuster Online in order to
compete with streaming services. However, when Jim Keyes was named CEO, his first
change was to drop the online streaming service that he claimed from the start was
damaging the company. Late fees were reinstated, online service was dropped, and
five years later Blockbuster closed its doors for good. Blockbuster was an antiquated
business that chose not to move with the times by taking advantage of the various
options available today like social media, streaming, and original programing.
Adapting new methods can seem daunting, but it also can have huge payoffs. When
Barnes and Noble announced the B&N Nook in 2011, they sold 1.4 million tablets across
the world. The company has kept the traditional style of reading, while also integrating
revolutionary tablets that offer a new experience for their customers. At one point, the
idea of adapting credit or debit machines seemed ludicrous; now it’s a struggle when
cash is the only option to pay at some locations. In order to truly remain successful, we
have to be willing to embrace new technology and new ideas or risk becoming just
another closed business.
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Net Neutrality
By Lindsay Shanahan
From the Desk of the new Executive Director …
On February 26, 2015, in a 3-2 vote along party lines, the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) adopted a set of strong network neutrality rules and regulatory
framework that will govern the manner in which broadband Internet Service Providers
(ISPs) offer service to consumers and businesses. The FCC’s rules enforcing “net
neutrality” will go into effect soon and have been subject to intense public attention
over the last few months. No other broadband policy issue has received more attention
– over 4 million comments were filed at the FCC, and FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has
testified before Congress five times in the last two weeks on the FCC’s landmark
decision. At Connect Ohio, we are studying the impact that the rules may have on
broadband service in Ohio communities and areas in which state broadband policy
might need to be adjusted or modified to account for the new federal rules.
Net Neutrality is the principle that individuals should have access to all data, content,
and applications on the Internet equally. Even if not a previous follower of the FCC and
its activities, many became familiar with Net Neutrality, also known as “Open Internet,”
through John Oliver and other news coverage, including a group of protestors
that blocked FCC Chairman Wheeler’s home in response.
On Wednesday, I spent the day with Tom Koutsky, Chief Policy Counsel for Connected
Nation, Connect Ohio’s parent nonprofit, discussing with state stakeholders the impact
that this Order could have on Ohio. Where the Ohio Revised Code incorporates FCC
definitions, a change in federal definitions could matter – those statutes that
incorporate federal regulations by reference could affect state laws.
However, the FCC action is not the final chapter in the Net Neutrality debate. Appeals
have already been filed in the 5th Circuit, and Senators Thune and Nelson are trying to
advance a bipartisan Net Neutrality bill. In short, this FCC decision, while important, is
unlikely to be the end of the Net Neutrality debate or, more importantly, the debate
regarding what legal framework should apply to the broadband industry as well as the
content and edge providers that rely on broadband networks to reach their customers.
Connect Ohio and Connected Nation will continue to monitor the Net Neutrality
debate and other federal policy developments. To ensure you receive all future
Connected Nation’s Policy Briefs, subscribe via RSS!
30 | P a g e
Connect Ohio Announces New Executive Director at Tech Lobby Day
By Lindsay Shanahan
From the Desk of the new Executive Director …
Coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day, on Tuesday, March 17, Connect Ohio staff
participated in the second annual Tech Lobby Day, hosted by Technology for Ohio’s
Tomorrow. The goal of the Tech Lobby Day was to demonstrate to legislators and key
staff how broadband is leading to innovation in all aspects of the Ohio economy. The
legislative reception was held at the Ohio Statehouse Museum Gallery. KNOWiNK,
VivioSoft, Franklin University, Whence, e-Cycle, and TECHCORPS each demonstrated
how broadband and technology is impacting Ohio’s economy.
Program remarks were provided by Emily Williams, Executive Director of Technology for
Ohio’s Tomorrow; Stu Johnson of Connect Ohio; and Senator Joe Uecker (District 14).
During his time at the podium, Stu Johnson shared the exciting news that he would be
moving into the position of Vice President for Digital Works, and I will be serving as the
new Executive Director for Connect Ohio.
So, I thought I’d take a moment to officially introduce myself.
Though new to this particular role, I’m not new to the Ohio team or the digital inclusion
arena. I joined Connect Ohio in April 2013 as the Program Outreach Assistant; in
September of 2013 I transitioned into the role of Counsel, Broadband Research and
Planning for Connected Nation, Connect Ohio’s parent nonprofit. In this role, I
supported Connected Nation’s broadband planning and research and formulated
policy recommendations for expanded broadband access, adoption, and use.
However, my initial introduction to this field came in 2007 when I managed nonprofit
organizations enrolled in the AT&T/ One Economy AccessAll Grant Program in Ohio. The
program aimed to provide low-income families throughout the state with in-home
computer and Internet access. This experience laid the foundation for my entire career
path, and I’ve worked on digital divide initiatives ever since!
Beyond my enthusiasm for technology and digital inclusion, I am passionate about this
state and ensuring its competitiveness in the twenty-first century connected economy. I
was raised in Columbus and received my J.D. and Masters in Public Policy &
Management from The Ohio State University. I am a proud Buckeye and an even
prouder spouse to a member of the Columbus Fire Department.
I’m excited to step into this new role and look forward to working with you to advance
broadband access, adoption, and use statewide!
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Appendix 2: Press Releases
New Connect Ohio Executive Director to
Target Technology Adoption Gaps
Statewide
Media Contact: Brad Ingles
[email protected]
614-220-0190
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2015
Lindsay Shanahan takes on leadership role as Connect
Ohio begins new phase of technology advocacy
Columbus, OH – Connect Ohio, a division of national nonprofit, Connected Nation, announced
last week that Lindsay Shanahan will be taking over the role of Executive Director. Shanahan
joined the Connected Nation team two years ago to research broadband and formulate related
policy recommendations for expanded broadband access, adoption, and use. Connect Ohio’s
former Executive Director, Stu Johnson, is assuming the role of Vice President for Connected
Nation’s Digital Works program.
“I could not be more excited for the opportunity to lead Connect Ohio in its next chapter,” said
Shanahan. “One of my priorities in this new role at Connect Ohio is to encourage more women
to pursue careers in science and technology-based fields. Research suggests that women are
dramatically underrepresented in technology, yet a diverse tech workforce is critical to economic
development.”
Shanahan previously served as a member of a Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
internal taskforce focused on developing a nationwide program to close the digital divide.
Moreover, she established a digital skills training and computer program adopted by Habitat for
Humanity. Shanahan also managed nonprofit organizations enrolled in the AT&T/One Economy
Access All grant program in Ohio, which provided low-income families throughout the state with
in-home computer and Internet access. This experience has poised Shanahan to take the reins
of Connect Ohio.
“With the significant telecommunications policies developing at a national level, Connect Ohio’s
role in ensuring that Ohioans have access to and the ability to use broadband-enabled
resources is now more important than ever,” said Shanahan.
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Lisa Chambers, National Executive Director of Tech Corps has worked with Shanahan in the
past and feels that she is a great fit for this leadership role. "Lindsay's track record and
commitment to digital inclusion and equity will prove to be a tremendous benefit to Connect
Ohio and its constituents,” Chambers commented. Chambers sat on the Women in STEM panel
that Shanahan moderated at the Michigan Conference last year.
As Executive Director of Connect Ohio, Shanahan will continue Connect Ohio’s efforts to
improve the availability and adoption of broadband for homes, businesses, and communities.
According to Connect Ohio research, Ohio’s home broadband adoption rate was 76% overall
(62% for rural Appalachia; 56% among low-income households; and 49% among older adults).
Shanahan will also facilitate Connect Ohio's involvement in state broadband initiatives with
public and private sector stakeholders, and manage Connect Ohio's programs including local
broadband action planning, broadband inventory mapping and technical assistance, research,
and community solutions support. For Lindsay Shanahan’s full bio, please visit
http://connectohio.org/team.
###
About Connect Ohio: Connect Ohio, a division of Connected Nation, is a leading technology
organization committed to bringing affordable high-speed Internet and broadband-enabled
resources to all Ohioans. Connect Ohio effectively raises the awareness of the value of
broadband and works to improve technology access, adoption, and use through its programs.
Connect Ohio is a nonprofit, technology-neutral, public-private partnership. For more information
about what Connect Ohio is doing to accelerate technology in Ohio's communities, visit
http://www.connectohio.org. Follow Connect Ohio on Facebook and Twitter.
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Appendix 3: Newsletters
Connect Ohio's e-Newsletter, February 2015
Featuring:Federal Policy Updates on Net Neutrality, Erate, Rural Broadband Experiments, and more
Also, the latest Digital Works announcement and
welcome back Bart Winegar
34 | P a g e
Connect Ohio Opens Second Digital Works Center in Gallipolis
“The Digital Works program offers a great opportunity for Gallia County citizens to take advantage of
the ever-growing Internet based employment opportunities,” said State Rep. Ryan Smith (R-93rd
District). “This training is very forward thinking in attempting to accommodate the demand in the
quickly evolving technology marketplace. This program is a direct result of the creativity of our local
team at Department of Jobs and Family Services and Melissa Clark in the county’s Economic
Development Department and its ability to think outside the box to find ways to put people to work.”
The grand opening was held at the new Digital Works center on Wednesday, January 21st. The
presentation began at 1pm, followed by tours of the facility and refreshments. Digital Works
facilitators and students were on site to answer any questions about the Digital Works program.
The event also included a special announcement from Adam Grzybicki on the partnership between
AT&T and Connect Ohio for twenty scholarships for students to pursue
a Udacity Nanodegree. Nanodegrees are a new category of online education that connects people
wherever they are with affordable, effective training focused on high-demand technology skills.
Each scholarship has an approximate value of $2,000 and enables students to complete one
Nanodegree of their choice. The Nanodegree program is part of AT&T Aspire, AT&T’s signature
education initiative to prepare students for success in school and the 21st century workforce.
“AT&T is thrilled to announce this partnership with Connect Ohio today at the Digital Works grand
opening in Gallipolis,” said Adam Grzybicki, AT&T Ohio President. “I can’t think of a better place in
the Buckeye State to target for this program.”
Connect Ohio’s Digital Works program trains and mentors candidates while locating co-working
centers in rural America settings where job demand is high, few employers exist, and the cost of
living is the lowest. Upon successful completion of training, trainees are matched with opportunities
that meet their skills and interests. Participants can choose to do additional training and mentoring
35 | P a g e
for more advanced career paths including web content writing, computer programming, or dedicated
service lines. Structuring partnerships in the local communities is the backbone of the Digital Works
program and is providing the success of getting people employed.
“The Digital Works locations in Ohio have seen remarkable success and we are thrilled to be opening
a second location in Gallipolis to connect even more people to jobs,” said Stu Johnson, executive
director of Connect Ohio. “Proving the success through our job numbers is a strong indicator for the
program; however, the greatest impact that Digital Works is having is on the participants’ lives after
helping them to secure employment. We are very thankful to AT&T for providing the Udacity
scholarships as well as donating broadband services to the center, along with the entire Gallipolis
community, Gallia County Department of Job and Family Services and the tireless efforts of
Representative Ryan Smith.”
Digital Works is currently active in twelve communities across Ohio and has placed over 300
candidates into jobs since inception. Read more in the Digital Works Newsletter here or visit the
website at www.digitalworksjobs.com
FCC Chairman Releases Details of Net
Neutrality Regulation
FCC Chairman Wheeler previewed his net neutrality rule at the annual Consumer Electronics Show
(CES) in Las Vegas, NV, in January 2015. The proposal includes refraining from enforcing provisions
of Title II that are not relevant to modern broadband services and reclassifying broadband, wireline
and wireless, as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act.
Read more about Wheeler's Proposal
President Obama Launches
"Community Broadband
Initiative"
President Barack Obama today launched
a national community broadband initiative that
will focus various federal agencies and programs
on the need to continually expand access to
fast, high-quality broadband networks.
President Obama outlined this initiative at a speech in Cedar Falls in Black Hawk County, Iowa, one
of the first communities in the country to be Certified Connected as part of the Connected
Nation Connected Community Engagement program.
Read more about the White House broadband initiative components here.
36 | P a g e
FCC Defines
“Advanced Broadband”
to be 25 Mbps download/
3 Mbps upload
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
determined that broadband deployment at
speeds of 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload in
the United States is not developing on a
“reasonable and timely basis,” a move that
signals both a shift in the FCC’s definition of
“broadband” and foreshadows further actions by
the agency in the coming months.
In doing so, the FCC defined “advanced
broadband” as 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps
upload. The FCC stated that prior definitions of
broadband were “dated and inadequate” based
on “advances in technology, market offerings by
broadband providers and consumer demand.”
The FCC found that 17 percent of the U.S.
population does not have access to 25 Mbps/3
Mbps broadband, and that half of rural
Americans do not have such access. The FCC
also found that this gap is persisting, with
broadband access at 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps
upload increasing by only 3 percentage points
last year.
Read more about the FCC Decision
FCC Makes Additional Funding
Available for Rural Broadband
Experiments
On December 23, 2014, the Wireline
Competition Bureau announced that over
$700,000 in funding for its Rural Broadband
Experiments project would be made available to
“next-in-line” Rural Broadband Experiment
November 2014 bidders that filed financial and
technical information with the FCC by January 6,
2015.
Bidders that made these filings would be eligible for provisional selection as winners for the
over $700,000 in additional funds now available. In particular, $651,832.15 in additional
funds for “category one” service bids (networks capable of delivering 100 Mbps download/25
37 | P a g e
Mbps upload to areas without broadband) and $64,600 in “category two” service bids
(networks capable of delivering 10 Mbps download/1 Mbps upload to areas without
broadband).
Read more about the Announcement
FCC Releases Details on
Expanded E-Rate Program
On December 19, 2014, the FCC released an
Order that details significant changes to the
Schools and Libraries Universal Service Fund
program, commonly referred to as “E-rate,” that
it adopted earlier in the month. In addition to
increasing the E-rate funding cap, the Order
implements many important changes to the
program, including expanding options for
network construction, applying additional
discounts when states match funds for highspeed broadband construction, and obligating
certain providers to respond to E-rate related
Requests for Proposal.
Raising the E-rate funding cap will ensure that
the FCC’s program implemented earlier this year
to upgrade on-campus wireless connectivity will
be fully funded for five years. In addition, many
of the changes are designed to incent and
reward aggressive school and library broadband
upgrades by lowering out-of-pocket and upfront
costs for applicants.
Find out more about the expanded E-Rate
program
Welcome Back Bart Winegar
Bart Winegar serves as Senior Manager for
Connect Ohio where he develops professional
relationships with key stakeholders in Ohio and
identifies and develops availability and capacity
programs, primarily for last-mile applications.
Bart handles broadband inquiries and last mile
access projects from across the state including
areas within: Ashland, Amanda, Athens,
Cambridge, Mansfield, Johnstown, Carrollton,
Scio, Midland, Jewett, Waynesville, Collinsville,
Centerburg. Bart is exploring options in three
camps within (MWCD) Muskingum Watershed
Conservancy District: (FFA) Future Farmers of
38 | P a g e
America Muskingum, Aldersgate and (NEOSA)
Northeast Ohio Salvation Army.
Bart Winegar’s thirty-four year career in information technology and telecommunications includes
serving as President of STI Communications; an Ohio based CLEC. He also served as Vice President
of SOTA Technologies, Inc. with a primary focus on network engineering, VoIP and ISP services. Bart
also served as President of AEGIS Consulting, LLC assisting small businesses in leveraging
information technology.
Bart Winegar has a BBA Organizational Leadership, Mount Vernon Nazarene University and AS
Information Technology, Franklin University in addition to numerous certifications including PMP,
Project Manager Professional.
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39 | P a g e
Connect Ohio's e-Newsletter, March 2015
Featuring:Federal Policy Update on Net Neutrality;
Connect Ohio's Participation at Tech Lobby Day; and
more!
Also, Connect Ohio has a new Executive Director, Lindsay
Shanahan
40 | P a g e
New Connect Ohio Executive
Director to Target Technology
Adoption Gaps Statewide
Connect Ohio announced on March 17th, that
Lindsay Shanahan will be taking over the role of
Executive Director. Shanahan joined the
Connected Nation team two years ago to
research broadband and formulate related policy
recommendations for expanded broadband
access, adoption, and use. Connect Ohio’s
former Executive Director, Stu Johnson, is
assuming the role of Vice President for
Connected Nation’s Digital Works program.
“I could not be more excited for the opportunity
to lead Connect Ohio in its next chapter,” said
Shanahan. “One of my priorities in this new role
at Connect Ohio is to encourage more women to
pursue careers in science and technology-based
fields. Research suggests that women are
dramatically underrepresented in technology,
yet a diverse tech workforce is critical to
economic development.”
41 | P a g e
As Executive Director of Connect Ohio,
Shanahan will continue Connect Ohio’s efforts to
improve the availability and adoption of
broadband among homes, businesses, and
communities. According to Connect Ohio
research, Ohio’s home broadband adoption rate
was 76% overall (62% for rural Appalachia;
56% among low-income households; and 49%
among older adults). Shanahan will also
facilitate Connect Ohio's involvement in state
broadband initiatives with public and private
sector stakeholders, and manage Connect
Ohio's programs including local broadband
action planning, broadband inventory mapping
and technical assistance, research, and
community solutions support.
Read more about Lindsay Shanahan
Connect Ohio Participates in
Second Annual Tech Lobby
Day
Coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day, on Tuesday,
March 17, Connect Ohio staff participated in the
second annual Tech Lobby Day, hosted by
Technology for Ohio’s Tomorrow. The goal of the
Tech Lobby Day was to demonstrate to
legislators and key staff how broadband is
leading to innovation in all aspects of the Ohio
economy. The legislative reception was held at
the Ohio Statehouse Museum
Gallery. KNOWiNK, VivioSoft, Franklin
University, Whence, e-Cycle, and TECHCORPS
each demonstrated how broadband and
technology is impacting Ohio’s economy.
Program remarks were provided by Emily
Williams, Executive Director of Technology for
Ohio’s Tomorrow; Stu Johnson of Connect Ohio;
and Senator Joe Uecker (District 14).
Read more about Tech Lobby Day
42 | P a g e
Net Neutrality
In a 3-2 vote along party lines, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a
set of strong network neutrality rules and
regulatory framework that will govern the
manner in which broadband Internet Service
Providers (ISPs) offer service to consumers and
businesses. The FCC’s rules enforcing “net
neutrality” will go into effect soon and have
been subject to intense public attention over the
last few months. No other broadband policy
issue has received more attention – over 4
million comments were filed at the FCC, and
FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler has testified before
Congress five times in the last two weeks on the
FCC’s landmark decision. At Connect Ohio, we
are studying the impact that the rules may have
on broadband service in Ohio communities and
areas in which state broadband policy might
need to be adjusted or modified to account for
the new federal rules.
Read more about the FCC Decision
How Technology Is Changing
The Business
Blockbuster was one of the largest video rental
chains in the United States and now feels like a
distant memory. Netflix and Redbox have
transformed the way we watch movies, but
could Blockbuster have stayed in the game?
Read more about Technology in Business
43 | P a g e
Demand Aggregation
Connect Ohio assists with the demand
aggregation process by mapping broadband
inquiries and sharing the map and locations with
potential ISPs. We routinely communicate with
over 100 providers throughout the state to stay
abreast of their expansion projects and bring
awareness to potential markets.
A great recent example of the process is an
unserved area of south Zanesville where a
motivated resident collected the names and
addresses of nearly 40 neighbors. Each resident
expressed sincere interest in subscribing to
broadband. Connect Ohio provided mapping
resources and technical consulting and also
facilitated discussions. Today we have an
interested ISP conducting a feasibility study with
a high likelihood of serving the area. We plan to
post additional blogs as this project unfolds.
How can you become involved? The most efficient way to communicate your interest is to use the
online web form. However, we also accept broadband inquiries by telephone (866-881-9424) and
email at [email protected]. If you live or work in an unserved area, and would like to be part of
the demand aggregation process, we invite you to contact us.
Read more about Demand Aggregation
Bart Winegar Participates In
Ohio Wireless Internet Service
Provider Association Meeting
Washington Court House, OH: Bart Winegar,
Senior Manager Connect Ohio, participated in
the March meeting of Ohio WISPA, (Wireless
Internet Service Provider Association), with
special guests Ohio Senators Joe Uecker (14)
and Bob Peterson (17). Senator Uecker is a cofounder of the Ohio Broadband and Technology
Caucus, a group of legislators dedicated to
tackling broadband connection and other
technology issues. Senator Peterson represents
the largest district (17) in Ohio including
Washington Court House and has first-hand
knowledge of the challenges to last-mile
broadband access in rural areas.
44 | P a g e
WISPA members provide broadband access to
over 100,000 rural Ohioans and who would
otherwise be without viable high-speed internet
access. The meeting was hosted by Country
Connections at their operations center in
downtown Washington Court House. The
members shared a number of ideas on how the
State might help them to reach more unserved
areas of rural Ohio.
You made it to the bottom of the Newsletter!
As a special thanks for reading we thought we would announce that the e-Newsletter format
will be changing soon to a format that will be easier to read and provide the very best of COH
news! Stay tuned!
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45 | P a g e
Appendix 4: Copy of Provider Outreach Email for Broadband Maps
Hello Again!
The Ohio Development Services Agency has contracted with Connect Ohio to collect broadband
data to determine what broadband services in the state look like since the final round of SBI
mapping was completed in October 2014. Data for this mapping project should be submitted by
May 8th.
Connect Ohio will work with you, as we have in the past, to ensure that the data and other
information you provide accurately represents your current services. No later than May 15 we
will require your approval to include your individual provider coverage on the updated map.
We ask that you supply data for this project in as granular a format as possible (e.g. address
level). Also, please provide us with your maximum advertised speeds (i.e, 5 Mbps download x 1
Mbps upload) instead of speed tier information (e.g., 3 Mbps to less than 6 Mbps download/768
Kbps to less than 1.5 Mbps upload). This will allow for more accurate maps and analysis.
Production of the statewide map is estimated to be June 9, 2015 release.
We have attached an NDA for review and signature.
As always, we appreciate your participation and look forward to working with you on this
project.
Warmest Regards,
Chip Spann
(606) 748-3343
[email protected]
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Appendix 5: Ohio Broadband Provider Roster
PROVIDER NAME
PLATFORM
WEBSITE
1 Touch Technology Solutions, LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://www.1touchtechnologysolutions.com/
5G Mesh
Fixed Wireless
http://www.5gmesh.com/
Amplex Wireless
Fixed Wireless
http://www.amplex.net
Arcadia Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.tdstelecom.com/
Armstrong Utilities, Inc.
Cable, Fiber
http://cable.armstrongonewire.com/
Arthur Mutual Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.artelco.net
AT&T Mobility LLC
Mobile Wireless
http://www.wireless.att.com/
Avolve, Inc.
Fixed Wireless
http://www.avolve.net
Ayersville Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.ayersvilleteleco.com
Ayersville Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.ayersvilleteleco.com
Bascom Long Distance
Fixed Wireless
http://www.bascomtelephone.com
Bascom Mutual Telephone Company
Fiber
http://www.bascomtelephone.com
Bellaire Television Cable Co, Inc.
Cable
http://www.bellaire.tv
Benton Ridge Telephone Company
DSL, Fixed Wireless
http://www.brtelco.com/
Block Communications, Inc.
Cable, Fiber
http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com/
BluSky Wireless
Fixed Wireless
http://www.bluskywireless.com/
Bresco Broadband
Fixed Wireless
http://www.brescobroadband.com/
Bryan Municipal Utilities
Cable, Fiber
http://www.cityofbryan.net
Buckland Telephone Company
Fiber
http://www.btccom.net
Cable Co-op, Inc.
Cable
http://www.oberlin.net
CableSuite 541, Inc.
Cable
http://www.conneauttelephone.com
Cebridge Acquisition LLC
Cable
http://www.suddenlink.com/
Cellco Partnership and its Affiliated Entities
Mobile Wireless
http://www.verizonwireless.com/
CenturyLink, Inc.
DSL
http://www.centurylink.com
Cequel III Communications II, LLC
Cable
http://www.suddenlink.com/
Champaign Telephone Company
DSL, Fiber, Fixed Wireless
http://www.ctcommunications.com
Cincinnati Bell
Cable, DSL, Fiber, Mobile Wireless
http://www.cinbell.com
City of Wadsworth
Cable
http://www.wadsnet.com
Comcast Cable Communications, LLC.
Cable
http://www.comcast.com
Continental Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.tdstelecom.com/
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PROVIDER NAME
PLATFORM
WEBSITE
Country Connections LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://www.countryconnections.net/
CoxCom Inc.
Cable
http://ww2.cox.com
Cricket License Company, LLC
Mobile Wireless
http://www.leapwireless.com
Crystal Broadband Networks
Cable
http://crystalbn.com/
D&P Communications, Inc.
Fixed Wireless
http://www.d-pcommunications.com/
Dark Horse Networks, LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://www.dhwireless.net
DataBit Solutions Corp
Fixed Wireless
http://www.dbscorp.net/
Doylestown Communications, Inc.
Cable, DSL, Fiber
http://doylestowntelephone.com/
Eagle Communications, LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://www.safe-t.net/
East Cleveland Cable TV and Communications, LLC
Cable
http://www.ecctv.tv
Erie County Cablevision, Inc.
Cable
http://www.buckeyecablesystem.com/
Farmers Mutual Telephone
Fixed Wireless
http://www.fmtc.cc/
Farmers Mutual Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.fmtc.cc
FiberNet, LLC
DSL
http://www.wvfibernet.net
Fort Jennings Telephone Company
DSL, Fiber
http://www.fjtelephone.com
Freund Enterprises Inc.
Fixed Wireless
http://www.accessohiovalley.com
Friendship Cable of Texas, Inc.
Cable
http://www.suddenlink.com/
Frontier
DSL
http://www.frontier.com/
Gateway Telecom LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://www.stratuswave.net
Germantown Independent Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.fairpoint.com
Giga-Data
Fixed Wireless
http://www.firewireinternet.com/
Glandorf Telephone Company, Inc.
Cable, DSL
http://www.glantel.net/
GLW Broadband, Inc.
Cable
http://www.glwb.net
GMN Tri-County CAC, Inc.
Fixed Wireless
http://www.gmn4u.com
GoldStar Communications
Fixed Wireless
http://www.nktelco.net
Hocking Internet Technologies, Ltd.
Fixed Wireless
http://www.hocking.net/
Hometown Cable Company, LLC
Fiber, Fixed Wireless
http://www.hometowncable.net
Hometown Cable Company, LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://www.hometowncable.net
Horizon Chilicothe Telephone
DSL, Fiber
http://www.horizontel.com
Hughes Network Systems, LLC
Satellite
http://www.hughesnet.com/
Imagine Networks, LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://inxwireless.com/
Intelliwave, LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://www.intelliwave.com
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PROVIDER NAME
PLATFORM
WEBSITE
JB-Nets, LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://www.jbnets.net
Jefferson County Cable TV, Inc.
Cable
http://www.voiceflight.biz
Jenco Wireless
Fixed Wireless
http://www.jencospeed.net
Kalida Telephone Company, Inc.
DSL
http://www.kalidatel.com
King Office Service, Inc.
Fixed Wireless
http://www.kosinet.com
Level 3 Communications, LLC
Fiber
http://www.level3.com
LightSpeed Technologies
Fixed Wireless
http://www.lsti.net/
Little Miami Communications Corporation
DSL
http://www.tdstelecom.com/
Mango Bay Communications
Fixed Wireless
http://www.mangobay.net/
Massillon Cable TV, Inc.
Cable
http://www.massilloncabletv.com/
McClure Telephone Company
Fiber
http://www.mccluretelephone.com
Mechcom Dot Net
Fixed Wireless
http://www.mechcom.net
Mediacom Indiana LLC
Cable
http://www.mediacomcable.com
MegaPath Corporation
DSL
http://www.megapath.com
MetaLINK Technologies, Inc.
Fixed Wireless
http://www.metalink.net/
Mikulski Communications LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://www.mikulskicom.com
Minford Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.falcon1.net
Mobilcomm, Inc.
Fixed Wireless
http://www.heavenwire.net/
Nelsonville TV Cable, Inc.
Cable, Fiber
http://www.nelsonvilletv.com
New Era Broadband, LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://www.newerabroadband.com/
New Knoxville Telephone Company
Cable, DSL, Fiber
http://www.nktelco.net/
NexGenAccess Inc.
Fixed Wireless
http://www.nexgenaccess.com
NKTelco Inc.
Cable, Fiber
http://www.nktelco.net/
North Coast Wireless Communications
Fixed Wireless
http://www.ncwcom.com/
North West Net, Inc.
Fixed Wireless
http://www.nwbright.net
Oakwood Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.tdstelecom.com/
OneCommunity
Fixed Wireless
http://www.connectakron.org/
Orwell Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.fairpoint.com
PowerNet Global Communications
Fixed Wireless
http://www.powernetglobal.com/
RAA Services
Fixed Wireless
https://www.facebook.com/RaaServices
Redbird Internet Services
Fixed Wireless
http://www.redbird.net
Reliable Wireless Solutions
Fixed Wireless
http://www.reliable-wireless.com/
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PROVIDER NAME
PLATFORM
WEBSITE
Ridgeville Telephone Company
Cable, DSL, Fiber
http://www.ridgevilletelephone.com
Ripflo Network, LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://cueband.lightyearwireless.com/
Rowe Wireless Networks, LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://www.roweinternet.com/
S. Bryer Cable TV Corp.
Cable
http://sbryercabletv.com
SAA bright.net, Inc.
Fixed Wireless
http://saa.net
Sherwood Mutual Telephone Association
DSL
http://www.smta.cc
Skycasters
Satellite
http://www.skycasters.com
Smart Networks, LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://www.gosmartnetworks.com/
Southern Ohio Communication Services, Inc.
Fixed Wireless
http://www.socs.cc
Spacenet, Inc.
Satellite
http://starband.com/
Sprint Corporation
Mobile Wireless
http://www.sprint.com/
Sprint Corporation
Mobile Wireless
http://www.sprint.com/
Sycamore Telephone Company
DSL, Fiber
http://www.sycamoretelephone.net
Telephone Service Company
Cable, DSL, Fiber
http://www.telserco.com/
The Columbus Grove Telephone Company
Cable
http://www.fairpoint.com
The Conneaut Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.conneauttelephone.com
The Middle Point Home Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.telserco.com/
The Nova Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.novadsl.net
The Ohio Bell Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.att.com
The Orwell Telephone Company
Cable
http://www.fairpoint.com
The Ottoville Mutual Telephone Company
Fiber
http://www.ottovillemutual.com
The Vanlue Telephone Company
DSL
http://www.tdstelecom.com/
Time Warner Cable Inc.
Cable
http://www.timewarnercable.com/
T-Mobile USA, Inc.
Mobile Wireless
http://www.t-mobile.com/
tw telecom of ohio llc
DSL, Fiber
http://www.twtelecom.com
UDATAnet Wireless
Fixed Wireless
http://wireless.udata.com/
Vaughnsville Telephone Company, Inc.
DSL
http://www.nwbright.net/
ViaSat, Inc.
Satellite
http://www.wildblue.com/
Wabash Communications
Fixed Wireless
http://www.wabash.com/
Wabash Mutual Telephone Company
DSL, Fiber
http://www.wabash.com/
Waldron Communication Company
Fixed Wireless
http://www.waldrontel.com
Wavelinc Communications
Fixed Wireless
http://www.wavelinc.com/
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PROVIDER NAME
PLATFORM
WEBSITE
WideOpenWest Finance, LLC
Cable
http://www.wowway.com/
Windstream Corporation
DSL
http://www.windstream.com/
Woodsfield Municipal Cable
Cable
http://bit.ly/18WCHrU
Your Digital Partner, LLC
Fixed Wireless
http://www.skyrunner1.net/
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Appendix 6: Sample District Factsheet
Ohio State House District 91
Broadband Availability Fact Sheet
October 2014
Total Households in District: 46,838
Fixed Broadband Availability
Includes Cable, DSL, Fiber, Fixed Wireless
Speed Threshold
Download/Upload
768 Kbps/200 Kbps
3 Mbps/768 Kbps
10 Mbps/1.5 Mbps
25 Mbps/3 Mbps
Households
Served by
Broadband
43,215
42,149
33,369
31,999
Percent of
Households
Served
92.26%
89.99%
71.24%
68.32%
Households
Unserved by
Broadband
3,623
4,689
13,469
14,839
Percent of
Households
Unserved
7.74%
10.01%
28.76%
31.68%
Fixed Broadband Competition
33,347 households are served by two or more fixed broadband providers (71.20%)
Maximum Fixed Broadband Speeds
Download: 50 Mbps to 99.9 Mbps
Upload: 3 Mbps to 5.9 Mbps
Mobile Wireless Availability
46,835 households are served by mobile wireless broadband (99.99%)
All Rights Reserved. © Copyright 2015 • Connect Ohio • Columbus, OH 43215.
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