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by Cara Lawson, OFBF communications intern

Broadband affects the speed at which data is moved over the Internet. In most of rural Ohio, data isn’t moving very quickly.

"The issue for rural Ohio is the access issue," said David Matusoff, principal and director of technology planning for Whiteboard Broadband Solutions. Matusoff addressed members during a special rural broadband seminar during the OFBF annual meeting.

While more urban areas are often equipped with the necessary technology to obtain high-speed access, rural areas are often left without the equipment to retrieve the new technology. The lack of equipment in rural areas makes broadband more expensive to obtain, Matusoff said.

Matusoff also explained economic development ramifications: There is a lack of access in jobs to a trained and educated work force in rural areas. This is leading to a population decrease, he said. If broadband is available, it can help diversify and build the economy in rural areas. Matusoff spoke of one individual who, as a result of broadband, is "able to live in a rural area, provide jobs and support his family." Matusoff also added that now because of broadband, this individual is able to conduct business in a much more diverse market, leading to more business. Instances like this will ultimately impact local revenue, he said.

"The agricultural community in Ohio needs access to affordable, high-bandwidth capacity to stay competitive in an environment with increasingly smaller margins," Matusoff said. Broadband "creates access to new markets," he said.

While broadband access is becoming more common, there is still more to be done because what is in place now does not support economic development, according to Matusoff. The passing of state Issue 1 includes $150 million for industrial parks that will provide for development and improvement to attract business. Matusoff praised the passage of Issue 1 and said it could greatly affect getting broadband to rural areas.

Matusoff encouraged attendees at the seminar to offer leadership and make broadband access a local priority. "We need to advocate for change and programs to make this happen," Matusoff said. OFBF and Ohio Rural Development Partnership presented the seminar. For more information on this issue, contact Matusoff at 614-462-1050.