Ohio Farmer - Program Helps Find Internet Users

Locating a provider of high-speed Internet service in Ohio has become a lot easier, thanks to a new online interactive application developed in cooperation with the Ohio Department of Administrative Services and more than 70 Ohio broadband providers.

"This important Connect Ohio initiative helps our state to better understand its broadband infrastructure," says Lisa Patt-McDaniel, director of the Ohio Department of Development. "The mapping tool provides support for our efforts to target investments that will help provide broadband access to all Ohioans, accelerating real economic development opportunities in areas such as Appalachian Ohio that are currently underserved."

Connect Ohio's research shows that more than 205,000 Ohio households still don't have affordable access to high-speed Internet service at home.

"Ohio consumers now have the ability to quickly and easily find participating providers that offer broadband service to their homes," says Tom Fritz, Connect Ohio's executive director. "The application will also help broadband providers, Ohio municipalities, and economic development organizations pinpoint exactly which areas should be targeted for broadband expansion," he says. The online tool is now available on Connect Ohio's website...