Ohio Broadband Strategy

Ohio has a history of innovation and has been at the forefront of business and industry for much of its history. Orville and Wilbur Wright, from Dayton, developed wing designs and flew the world’s first successful airplane. Thomas Edison, from Milan, holds more patents than any other American and invented the light bulb, forever changing the modern industrialized world. More astronauts hail from Ohio than any other state.

With this entrepreneurial spirit and a strong business climate, Ohio is positioned for continued growth.

With the 7th largest economy in the US and 21st in the world, Ohio has a skilled and productive workforce ready to meet the needs and challenges of the 21st Century economy. The DeWine-Husted Administration understands that access to fast, reliable internet services has become a standard of living increasingly necessary for gainful employment, integration into educational programs, and preparation for the kinds of careers we expect to exist in the future.

For more than 300,000 households in Ohio representing close to 1 million Ohioans, a lack of access to high-speed internet is a critical barrier. In some parts of Ohio, the connectivity required for children to do computer-based homework and for adults to look for a new job or access online education or training programs does not exist. Ohio’s most recent mapping efforts demonstrates that many Ohioans, particularly in rural areas, face connectivity issues.

The Ohio Broadband Strategy focuses on improving access for two groups: the unserved and underserved. According to the Federal Communications Commission, unserved areas are those that do not have any high-speed internet access or only have access to service at speeds of at least 10 megabits per second downstream and 1 megabit per second upstream. Underserved areas are those which have service but at a speed less than the FCC’s definition of high-speed internet at 25 megabits per second downstream and three megabits per second upstream.

The most recent maps detailing broadband service to Ohio show that Ohio is lacking in adequate coverage for high-speed internet access. Many of these areas are in low population and rural parts of the state. Going forward, the state must identify opportunities to fill these gaps and ensure all Ohioans have access to high-speed internet. And in doing so, build a best-in-class network that makes Ohio a leader in statewide high-speed coverage.

Ohio Broadband Map

These maps are based on the most recently available data from the Federal Communications Commission and additional detailed information provided by our partners at ConnectedOhio. Ohio communities with limited or zero access to highspeed internet now clearly suffer from a competitive disadvantage in today’s technology-infused and global economy.

Because each region of Ohio presents unique challenges, state government will pursue a number of complementary strategies to leverage resources and encourage private sector participation in expanding high-speed internet to those who have already waited far too long. With a comprehensive approach, Ohio can drive towards the goals of bringing high-speed internet to every Ohioan while building a best-in-class network.