Spotlight: Connect Ohio

Spotlight

Connect Ohio is a non-profit organization that works with telecommunications providers, business and community leaders, information technology companies, researchers, public agencies, libraries and universities to make affordable high-speed internet available to every household in Ohio. Amanda Murphy offered some insight into the organization.

How did Connect Ohio begin?

Connect Ohio began in December 2008 under Governor Ted Strickland’s administration to help bridge the gap in the digital divide in Ohio. It was originally state funded, but now is federally funded. Broadband, or high speed internet, is not available to everyone in their home or business and we are looking to expand availability and make it more affordable.

How does Connect Ohio increase broadband availability?

There are three major programs in Connect Ohio. Our current program is the Every Citizen Online program (ECO). ECO provides free training to adults learning computer basics and the internet. The classes are usually 6 hours long, with 3 two hour classes. We have partnered with libraries, community colleges, education centers and other non-profit organizations at more than 200 locations in the state. We provide the partners with the money and computers to complete the training through our federal funding.

In the Mapping Initiative program, data and survey information is collected to determine where broadband is available and who has broadband. This information is then provided to the federal and state government. It allows them to spot the gaps in broadband availability, so they can be bridged.

The Last Mile program involves a small team of technical outreach staff working with county officials to collect data and statistics on counties such as Washington County, that have broadband averages as low as 35%. The state average is around 66%. They then create a business proposal for an internet company, such as Time Warner, to show how they can profitably offer their services in these counties. This is around a two-year process.

Who can get involved in Every Citizen Online and how?

Any Ohio adult can receive the free training.

How important are partnerships to Connect Ohio?

Without partnerships Every Citizen Online would not be possible. We have 210 partner locations that offer these trainings. The more partnerships we have, the more areas we can cover. We currently cover all 24 regions, but are working towards covering every county.

What would an increase in broadband adoption mean for the community?

It would mean an increase in the quality of life and convenience. It would also lead to higher education because people are enabled to take online courses, so they no longer have to drive 30-40 minutes away to community colleges to take classes. Better health care would available because prescriptions could be ordered online and patients could talk to their doctors online.

What is the greatest barrier to statewide broadband adoption?

Through the data and surveys we have collected, we found that many people have broadband available to them, but choose not to use it. The most common reason is that they feel it is not important. Every Citizen Online works to increase awareness and show how broadband can be useful in daily life. The other common reason broadband is not being used is because of affordability. Connect Ohio is working to increase the number of internet providers creating competition, which will bring down the cost of broadband.

How does it make you feel to have such a positive impact on the community?

I love it. I worked in the local media before moving to non-profit and the switch from a corporate atmosphere to the non-profit sector has been tremendous. I love making an impact in Ohio and helping the community where I live and work.

Want to take an Every Citizen Online class?

Some upcoming class locations in the Columbus area are listed below.

OSU Extension Office: (614) 292-7196.
OSU Learning Center at the Godman Guild: (614)292-7196.
OSU Learning Center at Columbus Urban League: (614)292-7196.
Columbus State Community College: (614)287-5858.

To find out about classes offered in different areas call 1-866-881-9242, e-mail info@connectohio.org or visit this link.

Want to partner with Connect Ohio?

If you are interested in a partnership with Connect Ohio you can email amurphy@connectohio.org for more information.

Check out Connect Ohio at their website www.connectohio.org.
Find them on Facebook and Twitter too!

For more information on Connect Ohio and their programs call 1-866-881-9242 or e-mail info@connectohio.org.