Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Lack Of Broadband Service In Parts Of Ohio Could Affect Plans For High Tech Economy

Connect Ohio
Map showing broadband access in Ohio

The Republican ticket for governor wants to bring together business and technology entrepreneurs to advise the state on creating high-tech jobs and improving state services. But right now that won’t help more than a million people who don’t have high speech internet in their homes.

One in 11 Ohioans have no access to reliable, affordable broadband, including a third of the state’s rural residents, but also thousands of people in the state’s biggest cities.

Kyle Quillen with Agile Networks in Canton says business and tech leaders should play a role in state policy on a high-tech economy, and says there is money and opportunity in getting reliable high speed internet throughout the state. "We have to help facilitate that. We have to help that investment happen. And ultimately, it will get there. It’s not going to happen overnight, because it’s a poor infrastructure. “

Bills to put up state money to incentivize broadband investment in rural homes and communities and in pockets of urban areas have passed the House but haven’t moved in the Senate.

Contact Karen at 614-578-6375 or at kkasler@statehousenews.org.
Related Content