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OFBF is continuing its efforts to make high-speed Internet available to Ohio's rural residents

Broadband Internet access is needed to put residents and businesses in rural Ohio on equal footing with metropolitan areas, according to Chris Henney, OFBF director of policy development. He is optimistic that Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland will follow up on campaign promises to expand broadband access, which allows information to be transmitted up to 30 times faster than traditional dial-up.

"We've recently had the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Strickland administration to discuss how their campaign platform will translate into specific broadband programs," he said.

Rep. Clyde Evans, R- Rio Grande, has introduced a bill that would create a task force to examine opportunities for broadband in Ohio. The group would be largely comprised of government and broadband industry representatives. Henney hopes that rural Ohio will also be able to have a seat at the table.

"Representative Evans has introduced a good bill to create this task force," he said. "As this bill progresses, OFBF's goal is to see that it includes adequate rural representation."

OFBF recently cosponsored the ONE (On the Net Everywhere) Ohio Gathering, an event in Columbus that brought together a diverse mix of individuals and organizations to discuss how to close the digital divide in Ohio. Henney said the development of rural broadband received much attention at the event.

"We had a great discussion about what the needs are and what the hopes are for state and federal broadband programs," he said.

OFBF's ongoing participation in meetings in rural communities throughout Ohio is also helping bring together broadband service providers with local leaders. In addition, the organization is supporting a Rural Jobs Initiative, a far-reaching effort aimed at boosting rural economies. One component of the plan would be expansion of broadband.

"One of the conduits for a successful economy is technology. And we need broadband technology to put us on a level playing field with our urban counterparts," Henney said.