Senior Series, Part 3: Online Social Security Benefits

There are many age-appropriate searches seniors are conducting online such as leisure travel pursuits, personal health-care issues, and dealing with financial concerns. One resource seniors may be less familiar with is accessing their Social Security and Medicare benefits online.

For starters, turning to the Internet to access Social Security information saves a lot of time and money. The Social Security online retirement application can be easily completed, in as little as 15 minutes. Using the online application allows it to be done from the comfort of any home or office, and can be done at any time that is convenient for the applicant.

Applying for retirement is not the only feature available online. Numerous other tasks can be done through the Social Security website beyond just the application process. Some of the top services performed through the Social Security website are:

• Getting a replacement card
• Applying for retirement benefits
• Applying for disability benefits
• Apply for Medicare
• Apply for SSI, survivor or family benefits
• Checking an application status
• Getting extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs

Another great tool for people to use on the website is the Social Security’s new retirement estimator. This tool gives the public the opportunity to run accurate, personalized scenarios for Social Security retirement benefits in a user-friendly way, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. The retirement estimator was rated with a score of 90, highest in its survey of Best Online Services. It was also ranked among the government’s top performers, and equal to the highest caliber private sectors, along with Amazon and Google.

Using the website can be a huge time saver in many aspects. Accessing the information online makes there no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a representative. Not only does this eliminate waiting time at the office, but also cuts out driving time and gas mileage.

According to Robert Fenn, Social Security public affairs specialist, “An individual could possibly travel an hour away (to reach an office), and complete their request in less time it took to make the trip! Or an individual could utilize the SSA online services in a matter of minutes, as opposed to traveling for two hours (both ways).”

As retiring baby boomers choose high-tech information and service options, the SSA expects further growth in the number of people who will take advantage of its Internet services in the future.

For more information on accessing Social Security online, visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ 

To view the retirement estimator, visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator/ 

For more information on Connect Ohio's free basic computer training courses click here

Belmont County Small Business Finds Great Success with GMN Wireless Broadband

Gaining access to high-speed Internet access can be a game changer for small business. This situation is true for Jerry Smith, owner of Anvils and Ink Studios in Belmont County, where he hand crafts fine art and jewelry, metal sculptures, leather goods, and other custom pieces.

“Shortly before Smith became a customer of GMN, Connect Ohio worked in training GMN wireless on how to use radio propagation software and how to create its own coverage maps,” said Bart Winegar, technical outreach manager for Connect Ohio. “This helped it to increase efficiency and to serve some customers who otherwise may have been deemed unreachable.”

Smith previously had a satellite, dial-up Internet service, with speeds that were not fast enough for a business. After looking into his options, Smith found that he could get GMN broadband Internet.

Smith was able to benefit from using broadband by increasing his sales after he decided to upgrade to a high-speed connection. Before having a broadband connection, Smith was selling around $150,000 in products each year. After taking his business online, Smith now sells more than 3 million dollars in products each year. 

Anvils and Ink Studios now has a company website and display some of its products online. Being online makes interactions with customers and turn over time much faster. Smith can e-mail pictures back and forth, rather than having to meet face to face, for order confirmation.

Internet access has connected Smith to clients he would have never been able to reach before. Smith places orders internationally and now has clients in India and Pakistan. Not only has being online increased local clientele, but also gained Smith some new clients globally. “Finding new markets, which used to take weeks or months, now only takes moments,” said Smith. “I can easily research what people are wanting.”

The Internet has allowed for Smith’s business to grow to a level which was unsurpassable without having a high speed Internet connection. Connect Ohio continues to work with GMN Wireless to help them reach more un-served households.

For more information on GMN Wireless, visit http://www.gmn4u.com/ 

View the 2010 Broadband Business Survey http://connectoh.org/_documents/OH_BizWhitePaper_FINAL.pdf

Senior Series: Part 2, The Tech Savvy Senior

The assumption that many people have about senior citizens being technologically disconnected would be incorrect. The percentage of senior citizens, 65 or older, who are online in Ohio may seem low with only 37% subscribing to home broadband Internet service, but this number is continuing to grow at a steady pace. Since 2008, this number has increased by over 10% and only continues to progressively increase.

So what exactly are seniors doing online? The number one online activity performed by 88.6% of seniors was checking personal e-mail, according to a 2009 blog on nielson.com. The other top 5 online activities include: viewing maps, checking the weather, viewing and paying bills, and viewing or posting photos.

The top five destinations visited by seniors online are the following:

• Google Search
• Windows Media Player
• Facebook
• YouTube
• Amazon

One activity that may come as a surprise to many people is social media. According to an article from online marketing-trends.com, 11% of people on Facebook are senior citizens. The number of female seniors on Facebook is 63%, which is much greater than the 37% of male seniors.

There are a few predominant reasons for seniors wanting to get on Facebook. Most (40%) are turning to this social networking site to connect with family and old friends. The other two most popular reasons are to share pictures, at 30%, and social gaming, at 20%.

For seniors looking to get online, or learn basic computer skills, check out addition information on our Every Citizen Online program through Connect Ohio.

Senior Series: Part 1, Seniors and the Internet

The rise of Internet usage over the past years has also seen an increase in senior citizen’s getting online. The Connect Ohio Residential Technology Assessment Results have shown over the past three years, that broadband adoption among seniors has increased 42%, as has computer ownership for this group, increasing by 26%.

When it comes to computer ownership, the statistics are much higher. The percentage of seniors who own a computer is at 58%, compared to 80% of all households statewide.

Although the adoption rate has increased over the past three years, people 65 or older still make up the lowest percentage of people online. The Residential Technology Assessment found that only 37% of people in that age group have access to broadband Internet from home; much lower than the 74% of Ohioans overall who subscribe to broadband or dial-up Internet service.

Findings among Ohio residents who subscribed to home broadband service in the past year, are that seniors continue to have the slowest adoption rate. The assessment found that only 4% of those 65 or older subscribed to home broadband in past year; compared to 8% for those 55-64. The young adult age group, 18 to 24 years old, was the most likely group to subscribe to home broadband service in the past year, at 29%.

There are three major reasons, the Technology Assessment reveals, why seniors do not have broadband at home. The first and most prevalent reason cited by 73% of seniors was that they do not need broadband. The second most-cited reason for is that they don’t own a computer, at 43%, and the third reason, at 21%, is lack of education and not knowing enough about broadband.

All across the state, Connect Ohio provides Every Citizen Online, free basic computer training classes. Check out the Connect Ohio website, to register for classes near you.

Connect Ohio Helps to Expand Internet Access in Crawford County and Liberty Township

WaveLinc broadband provider has recently collaborated with Liberty Township Fire Department to expanded high-speed Internet access to homes and businesses in Crawford County, through a recent expansion tower.

According to fire chief- Rick Harley, the Liberty Township Fire Department was looking to build a communication tower for the fire station, which has always been in a “dead area” for broadband, radio traffic, and cell phone service. WaveLinc presented a broadband expansion plan after hearing the fire department was looking to build a tower.

Connect Ohio worked in assisting the provider and the county commissioners in discussing the use and regulations of the tower. The plan was proposed by WaveLinc after many residents showed a growing interest in having home broadband, according to Kurt Fankhauser, owner of WaveLinc.

Crawford County officials accepted the proposed agreement with WaveLinc to share the tower in order to bring broadband to Sulfur Springs.

“Having high-speed Internet is certainly better. The tower is a win-win situation,” said Harley. “I’ve looked at it as a community service. It’s helping us out, and it’s helping others in the community who want high-speed Internet that weren’t able to get it before.”

The new tower is currently providing wireless broadband service to a dozen homes that did not have it before. The tower could provide service for several hundred homes if the town were to expand.

“It is exciting to see community leaders cooperating with a local broadband provider to offer high-speed Internet to residents who otherwise would be left behind,” said Bart Winegar, Technical Outreach Manager for Connect Ohio.

According to Connect Ohio’s 2011 Residential Technology Assessment for Crawford County, where Liberty Township is located, 69% of households receive broadband service to the home, which is more than the state average of 66%.

For more information on WaveLinc, visit http://www.wavelinc.com/

Additional Crawford County technology research can be found at http://connectohio.org/_documents/Technology_Assessment_Crawford_County_2011.pdf

Broadband Inquiry Success Story

After being fed up with limited Internet provider options, Kevin King stumbled upon the Connect Ohio website where he found information about the Broadband Inquiry process. The options of having dial up internet, or service through a 3G cellular service provider were available, but King was looking to get high-speed wireless broadband service.

King searched his home address in Connect Ohio’s BroadbandStat interactive mapping tool and the results showed broadband provider options King was already aware of, as well as an option for broadband service unfamiliar to him. According to the results, King was able to get Country Connections for his broadband needs.

After looking into this broadband service option, he found that they had a broadcasting tower less than 10 miles from his home with a strong signal, so Kevin signed up. Right after installation King saw a huge improvement over his previous options.

King says, having high-speed broadband service at home “has opened up a whole new world” for him.

Now, it is possible for him to watch YouTube videos, download music, and connect to work. King’s family is also utilizing their improved Internet connection. His son is able to access to his online college account and the rest of the family is able to e-mail, pay bills online, and shop.

“Surfing became a relatively simple task, instead of a frustrating, time--consuming activity,” shared Kevin. “Overall, it just frees up so much time and has removed so much aggravation that it is almost unbelievable.” 

Exploring broadband coverage is easy to do through the Connect Ohio website and our interactive mapping tool, BroadbandStat. The interactive map takes your address and can find a list of providers claiming to have broadband service for your location. Check out our BroadbandStat at http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/interactive_map.php

FCC Announces ‘Connect to Compete’, Focusing on Training & Digital Literacy

Today, the FCC announced a major national public-private broadband adoption initiative called “Connect to Compete” aimed at boosting digital literacy, skills training, and job creation.

The program, which includes a dozen private and nonprofit partners and includes Connect Ohio’s parent organization Connected Nation, was announced today by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski.

Components of the program include a national “digital literacy corps” working to close the broadband adoption gap, and initiatives by private sector firms that are donating training opportunities, software, and creating digital content that will help job seekers. The Connect to Compete nonprofit initiative will oversee the effort.

Microsoft, Geek Squad, the Boys and Girls Club, Goodwill, One Economy, and the National Urban League are some of the other organizations aligned with Connect to Compete.

Connected Nation’s research shows that nearly 32 million rural Americans do not have broadband at home. In Ohio, 42% of rural households do not have broadband service.

Connect Ohio has been a leader in promoting broadband adoption through its Every Citizen Online program, generating demand for broadband services and helping thousands cross the digital adoption gap in Ohio. More than 11,000 Ohio adults have received free basic computer and Internet training. Of those trained, 88 % indicate they would like to subscribe to broadband within the next year. The Connect to Compete initiative will expand adoption efforts on a national level and help thousands more get connected.

Smart Phone and Laptop Usage on the Rise

It seems that everyone today uses a cell phone as their main means of transportable communication. So it does not come as a surprise that the Connect Ohio Residential Technology Assessment finds that 80% of Ohio Residents own a cellular phone. Now with the adaptation of smart phones, these devices can be used for much more than just making a phone call.

Wireless capabilities available on smart phones are producing an increase in users who are adopting this technology as their primary means of accessing the Internet. According to a recent article from The Washington Post, “A quarter of Americans with smartphones use the devices as their main way to get onto the Internet.” Smart phones are an alternative for buying computers and paying an additional monthly bill – something especially attractive for people with lower incomes. In Ohio, the number of residents who access the Internet through a subscription to mobile broadband service is now at 31%, a significant increase from 2008 when only 13% subscribed.

The convenience of having a portable device, according to the Connect Ohio Residential Technology Assessment, is also seen in the rise of Ohio laptop computer ownership, now at 45% while desktop ownership is down 2% from 2010. Although mobile subscriptions are on the rise, the number of Ohioans who subscribe to broadband from home is still the preferred method, with 66% of Ohio residents currently having home broadband.

Every Citizen Online All-Star Facility Award Presented to Wadsworth Public Library

Connect Ohio has named Wadsworth Public Library an Every Citizen Online (ECO) All-Star Facility.

Mohamed Ragheb, WPL, and Jeff Beebe, Connect Ohio

The ECO All-Star Facility award was presented to Mohamed Ragheb, technology manager and ECO program coordinator for the library, during Connect Ohio’s quarterly Technology Association Meeting breakout lunch session held in Columbus September 30, 2011.

Connect Ohio ECO staff, including state operations managers and the executive director, choose the ECO All-Star Facility awardee based on meeting various program ‘hallmarks of excellence’. These include, but are not limited to, the number of adults taking ECO training at the facility’s locations, ECO program survey completion rate, creative promotional and community partnerships assisting in awareness and local success of the program, and the level of engagement of facility coordinators in the ECO program.

Wadsworth Public Library has trained more than 115 adults on the basics of computer and Internet use through their ECO class offerings.

Congratulations Wadsworth Public Library!

Connect Ohio Awards 12 Laptops to Every Citizen Online Computer Giveaway Winners

Throughout the month of July, Connect Ohio staff was busy coordinating computer distribution events throughout the state following the Every Citizen Online (ECO) computer giveaway. The giveaway entry period was between April 5 and June 20, 2011. ECO participants who completed an online survey following the free basic computer and Internet training were entered into a random drawing for one of 12 new laptop computers.

A media-friendly event was coordinated for each of the 12 winners at the location the ECO training was completed and included Connect Ohio staff, ECO location staff, and ECO coordinators and instructors. The winners had great stories to share regarding their experience with the free computer training and how the new knowledge and comfort with computers is already helping them.

“I loved the (ECO) training and the instructor was one in a million,” said Cathy McComis, winner and ECO participant at Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library. “I don’t have a computer, so now I can go get Internet at home. I’m so excited!”

“It will be so nice to have a portable computer,” said Roseanna Wenig, winner and ECO participant at the Marion Public Library.

“I was just ready to buy a new desktop computer because mine is old,” said Louise Beldon, winner and ECO participant at Northwest State Community College. “I like to use the Internet to read e-mail, play computer games, and look up recipes. I want to learn Facebook and other websites.”

“I loved the training,” said Sharon Kiener, winner and ECO participant at OSU South Central Region Extension Office. “I needed the basics of the Internet and I’m looking forward to learning new things, like selling antiques on eBay and editing photos. I didn’t have a computer at a home (before winning the laptop). I would love to get the Internet now.”

“It’s not every day things like winning a new laptop happen to me,” said Brandy Archer, winner and ECO participant at Community Action Council of Portage County. “Being without a job since August of 2010, I was given the opportunity to take classes at CTLC for my MOS certifications, as well as the Every Citizen Online (ECO) classes. I am hopeful winning the laptop will get me one step closer to achieving my return to the workforce.”

Congratulations to the computer winners!

A full list of computer winners and the location in which training was completed are listed below:

·       Archer, Brandy – Community Action Council of Portage County

·       Beldon, Louise – Northwest State Community College

·       Buchanan, Doris – Kate Love Simpson-Morgan County Library

·       Griebling, Sharon – Pioneer Career and Technology Center, Bucyrus location

·       Hawkins, Elaine – Shaker Heights Public Library

·       Kiener, Sharon – Ohio State University South Central Extension, Learning Center East

·       McComis, Cathy – Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library

·       O’Connor, Patricia – University of Dayton

·       O’Brien, Becky – Kate Love Simpson-Morgan County Library

·       Summit, Jerry – Columbus Metropolitan Library

·       Wenig, Roseanna – Marion Public Library

Young, Thelma – Forest-Jackson Public Library

Low Number of Ohio Small Businesses Online, Google Offering Help

Today, a main source for finding information about a business is to search for their website or online presence. It is shocking to think that many businesses are still not online. According to Google, 97 percent of Americans go to the Internet to look for local products and services. Connect Ohio’s 2011 Broadband and Business Assessment reveals two-thirds of Ohio businesses do not use broadband and do not have an online presence. 

Google is offering to help Ohio businesses get online with the “Ohio Get Your Business Online” program. The program is designed to help businesses create and maintain a website. It begins today in Columbus and continues through next week with stops in other major Ohio cities.

Helping small businesses get online can increase their annual revenue, which in turn can generate more jobs and economic productivity.

Other upcoming Google event stops include:
• Lima, September 29
• Bowling Green, September 30
• Dayton, October 4
• Cincinnati, October 5

Having a company website not only makes the company more easily accessible, but helps provide an over-all convenience. The Broadband and Business Assessment found that Ohio businesses with-out broadband have an annual revenue of $300,000, while Ohio businesses with broadband and a website have a median revenue of $800,000.

Additional key statistics from the assessment include:
• Statewide, 67% of all Ohio businesses subscribe to broadband
• Ohio businesses pay a median monthly price of $67.36 for their broadband service

The assessment found that existing barriers for small businesses being online is that they don’t see a need for it, expense, or being uninformed of the benefits to being online. Programs such as Google’s can be very helpful in over-coming some of these barriers.

For more information on the Ohio Get Your Business Online program, visit http://www.ohiogetonline.com/

Agreement Will Provide Broadband Access to 1200+ Households in Southern Ohio

A recent lease agreement between JB Nets and Gallia County officials for the use of three county-owned towers will provide high-speed Internet access to more than a thousand homes in rural parts of the county.

JB Nets presented a broadband expansion business plan, which included Google Earth mapping of propagation studies and a business case analysis template designed by Connect Ohio, to Gallia County officials just over a week ago. According to Jake Kline, owner of JB Nets, the plan includes high-speed Internet coverage to 80% of the county within the next three years and the creation of at least two, but possibly three, full-time jobs.

“These three initial towers should be able to expand (Internet coverage) to 450-500 households,” said Kline. “However, our proposal also included 30 additional secondary towers to fill in gaps. We estimate approximately 1,200-1,400 total additional households that could receive service from us with all 33 towers constructed.”

Gallia County officials accepted the proposal and have signed lease agreements with JB Nets for the use of the three 911 communications towers, located in Gallipolis Township, Harrison Township, and Ohio Township.

“It is exciting to see community leaders cooperating with a local broadband provider to offer high-speed Internet to residents who otherwise would be left behind,” said Bart Winegar, technical outreach manager for Connect Ohio.

“The information Connect Ohio provided us was very useful in putting together our business plan/proposal,” said Kline.

According to Connect Ohio’s 2011 Residential Technology Assessment for Gallia County, only 42% of households receive broadband service to the home, significantly less than the state average of 66%.

Other Gallia County technology figures:

• Sixty-seven percent of Gallia County residents own a computer, which is less than the state average of 80% 
• Of the 33% of residents who do not own a computer, 71% claim they do not need a computer, 21% say computers are too complicated, and 20% say computers are too expensive 
• Seventy-five percent of residents access the Internet from home or some other location 
• The average monthly cost for home broadband service in Gallia County is $50.83, above the state average of $43.41 

For more information on JB Nets, visit http://jbnets.net.

Additional Gallia County technology research can be found at http://connectohio.org/_documents/Technology_Assessment_Gallia_County_2011.pdf.

Connect Ohio Staff Takes Part in Community Care Day

On Tuesday, Connect Ohio staff participated in United Way of Central Ohio’s 2011 Community Care Day by assisting in yard work and landscape beautification at Alvis House’s Administration Office. Alvis House provides programs and services for individuals transitioning from being involved in the criminal justice system to re-entering the community. Alvis House also works with the families of those individuals and with those who may be at risk of entering into criminal behavior. In addition, the organization operates supported living and residential programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Nine Connect Ohio employees worked alongside Alvis House maintenance personnel clearing overgrown brush, leaves, and trash, as well as weeding and hedge trimming the landscape surrounding the building.


Community Care Day is the largest one-day volunteer outreach in central Ohio and is an opportunity for teams of employees from companies throughout Columbus to volunteer. This year’s event included 3,000 volunteers from 150 companies involved in nearly 200 projects.

Pictured left to right: Dave Matusoff, Benj Foor, Brad Fuller, Katie Beaumont, Bart Winegar, Amanda Murphy, Nicole Smolic, Jeff Beebe, and Heather Delany

See additional photos on the Connect Ohio Facebook page, http://facebook.com/connectohio, as well as the Alvis House Facebook page. 

Comcast launches discounted Internet service program for low-income families

Ohio families with students enrolled in the free lunch program may be eligible to receive high-speed Internet services at a significant discount. Comcast, an Internet provider, is hosting an initiative called Internet Essentials in which households with at least one child receiving free school lunches through the National School Lunch Program can receive high-speed Internet services at just $9.95 per month. The home Internet service includes download speeds of up to 1.5 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 384 Kbps.

The program is applicable to those living in areas serviced by Comcast, which is a large portion of Ohio. Those eligible for the Internet Essentials program may also have the opportunity for a discounted computer and free technology training. Participants can purchase a netbook-style laptop computer that supports wired and Wi-Fi Internet connectivity.

The Internet Essentials program launches for the 2001-12 school year and will run for three full school years.

To apply for this program, call 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376). Additional information on the program can be found at http://internetessentials.com.

Two Connect Ohio Employees Support Local United Way Through Music

Photo by Coshocton Tribune

For the second year, the musical duo Point Blank Range, comprised of Connect Ohio’s Bart Winegar and Brad Fuller, provided the entertainment for Coshocton’s United Way kick-off event, Taste of Coshocton County, Thursday evening.

The event draws a crowd of 500 anticipating delicious food tastings from local restaurants and caterers while raising money for local charities. Attendees receive 10 tastes for $10, and then vote on their favorite food establishment involved in the event.

Winegar and Fuller shared their musical talents with attendees, offering an eclectic mix of pop, classic rock, and blues for the two-hour event.

“We both have been involved with the local United Way in one form or another for decades because it supports many critical local programs,” said Winegar, technical outreach manager for Connect Ohio. “We are very pleased to volunteer our time and talents for such an important and far-reaching cause.”

“The United Way serves 21 organizations in Coshocton County,” said Fuller, state operations manager for Connect Ohio. “I have always believed that it is important to give back to the community that gave so much to me as I was growing up. The United Way is a perfect way to do that.”

To view more photos and a news article about the event from the Coshocton Tribune, click here.

Crystal Broadband Project to Connect Village Residents in Monroe County

Earlier this week, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced more than $100 million in Community Connect grant funds were being awarded for 23 broadband projects throughout the country. The Community Connect program provides funding for broadband access to residents in remote areas and low-income communities. Crystal Broadband Networks, Inc., a broadband provider based in Chicago, was awarded $570, 800 of the $100 million for a project in rural Stafford, Ohio.

Stafford is a village located in Monroe County with a population of less than 100 people, according to 2010 census information. Connect Ohio’s residential technology assessment research reveals 74% of Monroe County residents have access to the Internet and just 53% subscribe to home broadband service. Both statistics are below current statewide averages, but a significant increase from 2008 reports.

According to Jennifer Stephens, administrative manager for Crystal Broadband Networks, Inc., the Stafford project will provide residents with a local community center fully equipped with computers and high-speed wireless Internet for free use for at least two years. This will also include basic computer and Internet training classes, as interest demands, and detailed instruction on how to sign up for and use Wi-Fi. Schools and some government buildings will also be receiving free Wi-Fi access.

A 140-foot tower will be constructed within Stafford’s city limits to house the wireless Internet signal, which can then be shared with homes interested in paying for Internet service within a 6- to 15-mile radius. The construction of a tower is significant not only for Wi-Fi access to local residents, but because it can be used to improve emergency communications, cell phone coverage, and more throughout the Stafford and Monroe County area.

Stephens said the project is expected to create 11 full-time jobs, as well as some part-time contracting jobs.

Crystal Broadband Networks, Inc. was also granted funding for projects in Heidelberg, Kentucky, Yellow Rock, Kentucky, and Panther, West Virginia.

Additional information on the Community Connect awardees can be found at http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2011/08/0375.xml.

Rural Ohio broadband project gets $570k

Crystal Broadband Networks, Inc. today received a $570,800 grant from the US Department of Agriculture for a broadband project in Stafford Village. The grant is part of the Community Connect program, which provides grants to rural, economically challenged communities.

More than $100 million in Community Connect funding was announced today.

"Without broadband, rural communities, agricultural producers, and business owners face a substantial challenge," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a news release. "These loans and grants will bring the benefits of broadband, including new educational, business, and public health and safety opportunities, to residents living in some of the most remote parts of our Nation."

Funds can be used to construct, acquire, or lease facilities to deploy broadband to community facilities such as schools and public safety buildings, as well as residents and businesses in the community, according to the USDA. Each project requires a matching contribution and must serve an area where broadband is not available. The grantee must agree to provide local community centers in the selected towns with at least 10 computers, which are accessible free for two years.

For more about the awards, see the release here.

Connect Ohio Shares Broadband Insight with Congressman Latta's Staff

Connect Ohio staff had the opportunity to discuss broadband in Ohio with Bethany Peck, senior legislative assistant for Congressman Robert Latta (5th District, Ohio), Tuesday.

Congressman Latta is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. Peck handles telecommunication policy for Congressman Latta and came to Connect Ohio exploring first-hand perspectives on broadband availability throughout the state, existing barriers to expansion, and what the National Broadband Plan can mean for Ohio and beyond.

Connect Ohio Technical Outreach Manager Bart Winegar gave Peck an overview of Connect Ohio’s interactive resource BroadbandStat, which shows by address what households have broadband access and those that are still unserved (according to data gathered from more than 100 broadband providers throughout Ohio). Existing barriers to broadband service in rural areas and approaches to overcoming those barriers were discussed, as well as Connect Ohio’s customized propagation studies and business case analyses available to Ohio communities engaged in finding last-mile broadband connectivity.

“I’m extremely impressed to find Connect Ohio going to every effort to help ensure broadband expansion throughout the state,” said Peck. “The organization’s reporting, county profiles, and online resources are very helpful to us.”

High-speed Internet availability’s affect on economic development was also a key topic of the meeting. Peck was happy to hear of the Every Citizen Online free basic computer and Internet training for Ohio adults and how the program is complementing broadband expansion efforts.

“I really enjoyed meeting with Bethany (Peck) and am happy she found Connect Ohio’s programs beneficial to not only Ohioans, but to Congressman Latta’s staff and possibly the communications and technology subcommittee,” said Winegar.

For information on Congressman Latta, visit http://latta.house.gov/.
To find out more about the Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Communications and Technology, visit http://republicans.energycommerce.house.gov/subcomms/subcommittees.shtml.

Every Citizen Online All-Star Facility Award Presented to Putnam County ESC

Connect Ohio awarded the first Every Citizen Online (ECO) All-Star Facility Award to Putnam County Educational Service Center (ESC). The award was presented to Putnam County ESC employee and ECO instructor Gary Herman during Connect Ohio’s quarterly Technology Association Meeting ECO breakout lunch session held in Columbus June 24, 2011.

Left to right: Putnam County ESC and ECO instructor Gary Herman, Connect Ohio executive director Don Shirley, Connect Ohio state operation's manager Heather Delany

Connect Ohio ECO staff, including state operations managers and the executive director, choose the ECO All-Star Facility awardee based on meeting various program ‘hallmarks of excellence’. These include, but are not limited to, the number of adults taking ECO training at the facility’s locations, ECO program survey completion rate, creative promotional and community partnerships assisting in awareness and local success of the program, and the level of engagement of facility coordinators in the ECO program.

Congratulations Putnam County Educational Service Center!

Click here to view photos from an ECO training class at Putnam County ESC.

Shopping for Jobs, Groceries and Staying Connected Now Easier for Many in Knox County Thanks to Every Citizen Online

Every Citizen Online (ECO) instructor Jessica Horlacher has been training Knox County adults on the basics of the computer and using the Internet since the program’s launch at the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County. More than 125 first-time computer users have participated in the training program through the library thus far and Horlacher says although the majority seem to be between the ages of 60 and 90, there is a wide range in overall demographics and reasons for taking the training.

Horlacher’s July 26 class had 6 attendees, which included four senior citizens and Teresa and James Shuler, a couple in their 40s. The Shulers are both currently looking for a job and say they need to know more about the Internet in order to apply for positions. They just received a new laptop computer and use it to connect at a family member’s home and the local library. Both have dabbled on Facebook and have set up an e-mail account prior to the Every Citizen Online training.

“I read about (the training class) in the newspaper and signed us up,” said Teresa Shuler. “I’ve enjoyed learning how to use toolbars, the browser, and just how to use the computer in general.”

The Shulers are also utilizing their new connectivity to help the family save time and money.

“Now, we can look up Carnival’s weekly (grocery) ad before driving 30 miles to the Newark store in hopes of sales,” shared Shuler. “That’s a big help.”

William Vernon, a senior in the class, wants to catch up to his brother’s online communication knowledge.

“I already e-mail and want to learn to cut and paste and to add attachments to my e-mails,” said Vernon. “I’m a retired plant worker and like to e-mail former co-workers, other retirees, and family. My brother in Oklahoma City is an expert at this stuff and I need to catch up with him.”

Another senior participant, Melodee Hitchcock, is also seeking Internet knowledge to increase family bonding.

“My grandson loves to play RuneScape online and I want to be able to play along with him,” said Hitchcock.

Hitchcock has a computer and Internet at home and says the ECO training has helped her feel more comfortable using it.

“‘I’m a little more confident that I won’t mess up,” said Hitchcock. “Before, I was afraid I would freeze my computer during searches when no one was home to help me or that I wouldn’t know how to get out of something. Now, I don’t feel scared about that.”

All class participants said they felt they were leaving the class with a lot of useful information and new skills. Though the information can be overwhelming, the ECO classes prove to be a perfect first step toward computer and Internet adoption for many Ohio adults.

View additional photos from this training class on Connect Ohio's Facebook page.