Ohio Communities Mobilize to Bridge the Digital Divide by 2030
Roadshows spark statewide broadband planning, funding readiness, and local collaboration
In May 2025, more than 85 community leaders, internet service providers, educators, and nonprofit partners gathered across five Ohio regions for the 2025 OSU Extension and BroadbandOhio Roadshow series. These regional sessions, hosted in Knox, Preble, Stark, Paulding, and Athens counties, were designed to accelerate local momentum toward Ohio’s goal of universal broadband access by 2030.
Organized in partnership between The Ohio State University Extension and BroadbandOhio, the roadshows brought broadband policy to the people—offering practical information, answering tough questions, and connecting stakeholders to $793 million in available federal BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) funding.
“Broadband is no longer a luxury—it’s essential to education, health, safety, and economic opportunity,” said Peter Voderberg, Chief of BroadbandOhio. “We’re working to bring high-speed internet to every farm, household, and small town in Ohio—no matter how remote.”
Each session offered deep dives into broadband technology, grant application strategies, digital equity planning, and workforce training investments. Attendees learned about critical tools such as broadband maps, community letters of support, and the new $30/month affordability requirement for eligible households. OSU Extension and BroadbandOhio encouraged the formation of local broadband action teams and provided guidance for tackling funding and infrastructure barriers.
The sessions sparked a wave of engagement:
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86 attendees participated across all five sessions.
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20 participants requested follow-up support for local projects.
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Five Regional Digital Inclusion Alliances (RDIAs) were engaged to lead community-based strategies for expanding broadband access and digital literacy.
Survey feedback indicated that local leaders are already using the information to prepare grant applications, verify FCC mapping data, and align community workforce plans with upcoming broadband infrastructure projects. From cooperative utilities in Paulding County to community planners in Athens, the message was consistent: local collaboration is key to getting Ohioans connected.
“This effort is not just about wires—it’s about people,” said Kyle White, OSU Extension Community Development Educator. “We’re helping communities plan, educate, and lead their own broadband future.”
Looking ahead, OSU Extension and BroadbandOhio plan to continue supporting community engagement, workforce development, and digital inclusion initiatives. With state and local coordination, Ohio is positioning itself as a national leader in equitable broadband expansion.
For more information, visit 2025 BroadbandOhio Accelerator Project | Community Development or broadband.ohio.gov