Madison PressA plan to bring broadband Internet access to more areas of Madison County is still in the works, but more people need to express interest in having that service, Connect Ohio State Operations Manager Heather Delany said.
Connect Ohio is a nonprofit, technology-neutral public-private partnership that works with telecommunications providers, business and community leaders, information technology companies, researchers, public agencies, libraries and universities in an effort to help extend affordable high-speed Internet service to every Ohio household.
Delany has shared the Madison County Technology Strategic Technology Plan during monthly meetings with members of the county's eCommunity Strategy Team. The plan includes an overview of the county's current broadband infrastructure and outlines the goals that have been set by the team.
The group's stated mission is to work with providers “to encourage increased access, offer free community education, encourage more post-secondary education and create additional awareness within Madison County with regard to technology and broadband."
In Madison County, 96.1 percent of households currently have access to broadband. This equates to approximately 540 households without any available service option.
Of those with access to broadband service at their homes, just 50 percent currently subscribe to high speed Internet service. A recent survey conducted by Connect Ohio identifies reasons why residents choose not to adopt high-speed service. The greatest reluctance cited by non-subscribers was a perceived lack of need (47 percent) and an aversion to the cost of subscription (eight percent). The average cost of subscription in Madison County is $31.48, which is under the state average of $35.13. In addition, several companies offer discounts when coupled with telephone or television services. Twenty-nine percent of respondents said the leading barrier to broadband adoption was a lack of available service at their home. Connect Ohio and the Madison County eCommunity Strategy Team have developed goals and initiatives targeted at overcoming these barriers to bridge the digital divide throughout the area.
The team is currently exploring a technology education program to offer free training to the public through local libraries and community organizations. Training classes will cover basic computer use, Internet use and will introduce participants to important benefits of broadband use, including greater access to healthcare, job opportunities, government services and information. Opportunities to reduce household costs of communication and to gain wider access to products and services will be offered in a “try it before you buy it” setting. The program is targeted for a fall launch.
Delany is encouraging anyone interested in having access to broadband Internet to fill out the form in today's Madison Press and send it to the address provided. The more people who express interest, the more likely Internet service providers will be to expand their service to all areas of the county, she said.
Connect Ohio recently released an interactive mapping tool called BroadBandStat. Those interested in identifying their local service providers and availability coverage can access the tool on the Connect Ohio Web site at http://www.connectohio.org. For those without access, Connect Ohio also has an toll-free number at 1-866-881-9424 where a Connect Ohio staff member can assist in identifying potentially available providers.
