InnovateOhio, ODOT Announce Steps to Expand Broadband Access

InnovateOhio, ODOT Announce Steps to Expand Broadband Access

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The DeWine-Husted Administration, through InnovateOhio, today announced the release of a Request for Information (RFI) in an exploratory effort to improve broadband access to people across the state.

“Lack of access to high-speed internet can stand in the way of our ability to do business, to obtain an education, or even to access emergency services,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “My administration is serious about improving broadband connectivity to corners of Ohio that have been left behind. We want ideas from businesses, both large and small, community leaders, and anyone with an idea for how we can start making real progress on this issue.”

Individually, home and business owners in Ohio could improve their internet connection by switching to providers such as Satellite Internet Now, who in their own words offer “fast speeds, available everywhere”. However, Governor Mike DeWine wants to improve broadband connectivity as a whole across the state of Ohio and others are echoing his sentiments.

“You can’t be a part of the modern economy and education system without access to high-speed internet,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as Director of InnovateOhio. “In some parts of Ohio, the marketplace is not solving the issue on its own, so we are pushing it into action and asking the private sector to work with us to help the people in these areas. By leveraging public assets, we can get people access to the technology infrastructure they need to succeed.”

The RFI considers the possibility of opening the rights of way along ODOT-maintained state highways and to broadband providers in exchange for private investment that improves access to underserved Ohioans. These state-owned right of way corridors provide significant value that could potentially be leveraged to the benefit of Ohioans living in areas that still lack access to high-speed internet.

The RFI is an early step in a statewide broadband expansion strategy being developed under the leadership of InnovateOhio.

“The vast network of highway rights-of- way owned and maintained by ODOT is critically important asset which makes possible the safe, efficient movement of people and goods in the Buckeye State,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. “We strongly support Governor DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Husted’s goals to leverage this valuable real estate for the benefit of all Ohioans by identifying how we can use them to increase broadband access in the state.”

The RFI will be open to receive responses for 21 days.