Summary of recent Ohio broadband stories

Northwest Ohio

-- Dublin, Ohio has the largest Wi-Fi hotzone in central Ohio according to the press release issued by HighSpeedAir, a family-owned business based in Dublin, Ohio, which is responsible for deploying the network. The primary goals of this network are to enhance public safety and improve the city’s operational efficiencies, while also offering a valuable broadband service option to the community. (MuniWireless)

-- Students in Candace Susa’s Chemistry classes at Dublin Granville High School have been using 120 netbooks for classwork. With the computers students are able to access class questions, labs and notes during the classes and can interface their home computers in the evening with their netbooks at the school. Funding for the netbooks was made courtesy of the Granville Education Foundation. (The Granville Sentinel)

Northeast Ohio

-- The Massillon Board of Education is talking about adding Wi-Fi to its school buses. Superintendent Lisa Carmichael says research has shown that when students have the ability to connect to the Internet, discipline problems decrease. (The Independent)

-- Wireless communications provider Verizon Wireless has completed the integration of its network with that of Alltel in Medina County. This integration is expected to provide customers with clearer reception, fewer dropped calls and more coverage, including stronger in-building coverage. Verizon said that it has been preparing to integrate Alltel's network since completing its purchase of the company last year. (tmcnet.com)

Southwest Ohio

-- Nearly 1,500 prospective students and parents came to an open house at Cincinnati’s Union Terminal for the Ohio Virtual Academy, a K-12 online charter school. The school supplies the computer, broadband connection, and lessons for students. (WCPO Television)

-- National Black Chamber of Commerce President Harry Alford writes in The Cincinnati Enquirer that he applauds investments made in additional Internet access, but warns about proposed increases by some Internet providers.

Southeast Ohio

-- Frontier Communications is now able to start its broadband expansion efforts in Southeast Ohio after The Federal Communications Commission approved Verizon Communications’ plan to sell nearly 5 million telephone lines in 14 states to Frontier.

-- Athens-based Intelliwave received a $2.28 million federal broadband stimulus award to bring broadband service to Athens, Pickaway, and Fairfield counties. Company officials said the funds will be used over the next 36 months to build wireless “last mile” infrastructure to residents and businesses there. (Wireless Internet Service Providers Association)