Ohio
Collaboration with Regional Partners
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) immersed itself in the establishment and ongoing activities of the Regional Digital Inclusion Alliances, which consists of five regions of Ohio (Northwest, Northeast, Central, Southeast, and Southwest), that serve as collaborative partners to assist on-going Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity Program grant activities. The alliances brought together diverse stakeholders, coordinated regional planning, supported digital inclusion, and collected local feedback.
Public Education
BroadbandOhio conducted over 30 public sessions between November 2022 and January 2023, which informed and educated Ohio residents, local governments, and partners about the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Map challenge process and how to participate. Engagement activities also included an online Q&A webinar on the FCC challenge process. BroadbandOhio met with NTIA and the FCC to discuss the submitted challenges.
Fostering Collaboration
Throughout the BEAD and Digital Equity planning activities, BroadbandOhio continued to expand their Broadband Alliance to over 500 members comprising Internet Service Providers (ISPs), local governments, nonprofits, and interested individuals. NTIA and regional leaders continued to raise awareness and expand the alliance for discussion of the current and future status of broadband in Ohio, including BEAD and Digital Equity activities and identifying opportunities for collaborative work.
Workforce Development
Ohio has one of the most robust workforce development strategies with the Broadband and 5G Sector Partnership, founded in September 2022. The timing aligned well with the BEAD and Digital Equity grants. The design and distribution of curricula and training programs included a special focus on broadband deployment. BroadbandOhio developed strategies to use BEAD funding to expand the workforce development program, continue these synergies, and meet the growing infrastructure needs created by the BEAD grant. The statewide partnership expanded programs for tower technicians, fiber installers and splicers, pole climbers and installers, and other identified area needs. NTIA and the Governor’s Office on Workforce Transformation identified and engaged with partners across the state in five private sector partnership meetings. NTIA visited training programs that serve underrepresented populations such as rural inhabitants, low income residents, and the incarcerated to successfully bridge the digital divide.