The world is constantly changing due to technological innovation. In order to keep up with this change, all Ohioans should have 
access to the infrastructure that supports these new technologies. Unfortunately, this is not the case throughout a large swath of Ohio. That is why my colleague Rep. Jack Cera and I recently introduced House Bill 378 in the Ohio House of Representatives. House Bill 378 is bipartisan legislation designed to spur businesses, nonprofits, co-ops, and local governments to invest in the expansion of high-speed broadband capability.
The bill would create a grant program to assist these entities in bringing broadband infrastructure to unserved areas of our state. This money will be available via the proceeds of bonds issued in support of the Third Frontier Program, an initiative that provides a statewide network for businesses and entrepreneurs to grow, hire, and invest. Each entity would be able to apply for up to $5 million in grant funding through Ohio’s Development Services Agency, which will administer the program.
Wireless capability is often unreliable throughout much of southern and southeastern Ohio, even in the places where it is currently present, and more work must be done to remedy this problem. Where it is unavailable, the effects of the absence in service are quite clear. The issue negatively affects education, public safety, tourism, and economic development efforts, among others.
These are just a few examples of the numerous problems posed by lack of high-speed broadband in our area of the state. Educational attainment, public safety, and economic growth are three vital components for vibrant communities. Our region of Ohio is a wonderful place to live, work, and visit. Ensuring high-speed broadband capability will prove beneficial for this part of Ohio as well as the entire state.
Over the past few decades, technology has transformed our society in ways most of us could have never imagined. Means of communicating with one another has gone from using postal mail and landline phones to email, texting, and video messaging. The necessities of life are continually changing and communications methods of the past are fading away in favor of new, alternative forms.
State Rep. Ryan Smith, R-Gallipolis, serves in the Ohio’s 93rd House District. Learn more at www.ohiohouse.gov/ryan-smith.
From Herald Dispatch | November 23, 2017
