New research, maps, and adoption project discussed at Tech Association meeting

By Chris Pugh
Connect Ohio

About seventy elected officials, Internet providers, and other key state stakeholders took part in Connect Ohio’s quarterly Technology Association meeting June 25 at the Riffe Center in Columbus.

Executive Director Tom Fritz presented attendees with the organization’s 2010 State Residential Technology Assessment statistics.

Most notably, he reported Ohio has moved ahead of the national average with two of three residents connected to broadband service. Three out of five American adults are connected to high-speed Internet.

Fritz also shared updates to Connect Ohio’s BroadbandStat website, which included the ability to sort new maps by technology and the addition of searchable online maps.

A roundtable discussion was also held on Connect Ohio’s federal broadband stimulus funds application for its Public Adoption through Libraries II/Every Citizen Online Adoption Project, which would allow for statewide computer classes and advertising for the program.

State Public Utilities Commission Section Chief Marianne Townsend also talked about the impact of Ohio’s new Telecom Bill, which is slated to go into law in September.