internet
Community networks fill vital role in providing internet connectivity
Lack of high-speed, high-quality internet access in Ohio is a significant hurdle that negatively impacts everything from how Ohioans learn and make a living to how we keep our communities safe. This challenge has led to major investments by federal and state governments. Unfortunately, some organizations are putting their personal interests ahead of the needs […]
Internet crackdown in Cuba frustrates families, friends in the U.S.
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is still trying to restore internet access cut off by the Cuban government after thousands of protesting Afro-Cubans took to the island’s streets calling for democratic reform. Florida lawmakers, both Democrats and Republicans, are lobbying the administration to support the protests, as well as quickly get internet access back to […]
New research: Broadband policy is jobs policy
It’s no secret that Ohio’s Appalachian counties have the most sluggish labor markets of the counties across the state. According to last month’s Ranking of Ohio County Unemployment Rates from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, eight of the ten highest-unemployment counties this month are in Appalachian Ohio. Meanwhile, Appalachian Ohio also suffers […]
Ohio Senate president now supportive of broadband internet spending
The leader of the Ohio Senate says he has come around on the issue of broadband internet spending, telling reporters Wednesday he is optimistic that lawmakers can come to an agreement on investing in this public need. Leaders from the Ohio Senate and Ohio House of Representatives are currently negotiating a two-year state budget that […]
Legislation seeks to provide internet access in unserved areas of Ohio
Ohio legislators are making quick work on the issue of broadband expansion so far in 2021, with the goal of providing internet access to all areas of the state. A Republican-led effort is already seeing progress during the new legislative term. On Wednesday afternoon, the Ohio Senate voted unanimously to pass a bill to finance […]
Months into the pandemic, digital divide still leaves poor kids at a disadvantage
Members of the U.S. Senate are pushing for $4 billion in the next coronavirus relief package to help students in rural and low-income areas gain access to high speed internet. A digital divide that emerged as a major problem when schools shut down amid the pandemic last spring has persisted into the new academic year, […]
Pandemic highlights gaps in internet access
WASHINGTON — Lawmakers are urging congressional leaders to prioritize emergency funding for high-speed internet access in upcoming coronavirus relief legislation. More than two dozen lawmakers sent a bipartisan letter last week asking Democratic and Republican leaders of the U.S. House and Senate to set aside funding for a temporary emergency relief fund at the Federal Communications […]
Internet providers commit to keep Ohioans connected during self-isolation, school closures
The closure of schools has caused disruption to students’ schooling and every day routine, so some internet providers are committing to help. Several high-speed internet providers in the start have joined with the Federal Communications Commission’s “Keep Americans Connected” Pledge. With the commitment, internet service providers say they “will not terminate service to any residential […]