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.
Showing posts with label ohio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ohio. Show all posts
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Connect Ohio Awards Computer to Fulton County Participant of Free Statewide Internet Training Program
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| Pictured left to right: Ben Armstrong, NWSCC library supervisor, Louise Beldon, computer winner, and Heather Delany, Connect Ohio state operations manager |
On Thursday, July 21, Connect Ohio presented Louise Beldon of Archbold with a new laptop computer at Northwest State Community College (NWSCC). Beldon was the ninth of twelve winners to receive a new computer after being chosen in a random drawing following her participation in the Every Citizen Online (ECO) program.
“I was just ready to buy a new desktop computer because mine is old,” said Beldon, when notified that she had won a new computer. “I enjoyed the (training) class. 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.”
"Louise was a very good student,” said Clint Parry, community computer skills instructor with NWSCC. “She had used computers a little before taking the class. Now, she’ll be able to keep practicing at home with a brand new one!"
“It’s great to see how taking an ECO class can make a big difference for a student like Louise, and seeing her win a computer has made us even more exited about the classes that we continue to offer,” said Ben Armstrong, NWSCC library supervisor.
For more information on Northwest State Community College’s Every Citizen Online training classes, call 419-267-1274. Classes are currently offered at the following locations:
• Northwest State Community College
22600 State Route 34, Archbold
• Fulton County OneStop
604 South Shoop Avenue, Suite 110, Wauseon
• Evergreen Community Library
253 Maple Street, Metamora
• Swanton Local School District Public Library
305 Chestnut Street, Swanton
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Brown County Resident Able to Telework after Contacting Connect Ohio for Help
Diana Pitzer lives on the edge of Brown County and commutes to work in Mason, which is a 1-hour drive each way. Diana is a claims adjustor for a large insurance company. She has been with the company for 15 years. In January 2010, the company approved Pitzer to work from home.
“I leave very early to be at work by 5:30 a.m.,” said Pitzer. “In the evening, it can be an hour and a half to get home. To work at home was going to be fantastic — time-wise and, with gas prices, money-wise.”
There was just one problem. Pitzer’s home Internet speeds were not fast enough to meet her employer’s requirements. This news did not deter Pitzer and she sought a solution.
After more than a year of being told there was nothing that could be done about the Internet speeds at her home by the few Internet providers who serviced the area, Diana came across Connect Ohio and e-mailed a broadband inquiry in April 2011. Connect Ohio Technical Outreach Coordinator Ira Dye responded to Pitzer’s inquiry.
Dye knew Frontier Communications, a broadband service provider, was in the midst of deploying a new, upgraded network and southern Ohio was one of the first stages of this project. Dye reached out to Richard Hutchinson, a regional manager for Frontier, and Tena McIntosh, local manager for Frontier, regarding Pitzer’s situation.
According to Hutchinson, a new ROADM network was being deployed in Georgetown, near Pitzer’s home.
“To enhance its network and improve the overall customer experience, Frontier has begun deploying ROADM Networks (or) Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer systems, which increase the network's flexibility and deliver higher speeds, among other benefits,” said Patrician Amendola, public relations spokesperson for Frontier.
“Tena called me and said that they would be upgrading my Internet service to a higher speed,” said Pitzer. “Then a representative came out to my house (for a field check) the first week of May.”
Pitzer brought her work computer home on May 27 and began teleworking that same week.
Pitzer estimates a savings of $80 each week by no longer commuting to the office more than 40 miles away. She says she is also saving money by needing fewer oil changes and car repairs. But her biggest savings is time.
“I’m just very excited,” said Pitzer. “I get to sleep in. I can spend 2 more hours a day doing whatever … it’s like a raise … a big raise. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Connect Ohio went the extra mile to find someone to help me.”
“It’s a positive story and her life changed by these upgrades,” said Hutchinson. “Our network is more capable and we’re helping others. The real plan is to get there for everybody – 85% of Frontier’s network will be upgraded within the next three years.”
“Tena's 20-plus years of technical experience coupled with her knowledge of the Georgetown market were distinct advantages in providing Diana with the speed she required,” said Amendola. “While this high-speed Internet example is for Brown County, similar customer experiences are happening daily throughout Frontier's markets in Ohio as more and more customers are transferred onto Frontier's ROADM networks and enjoy the benefits of higher speed.”
“I leave very early to be at work by 5:30 a.m.,” said Pitzer. “In the evening, it can be an hour and a half to get home. To work at home was going to be fantastic — time-wise and, with gas prices, money-wise.”
There was just one problem. Pitzer’s home Internet speeds were not fast enough to meet her employer’s requirements. This news did not deter Pitzer and she sought a solution.
After more than a year of being told there was nothing that could be done about the Internet speeds at her home by the few Internet providers who serviced the area, Diana came across Connect Ohio and e-mailed a broadband inquiry in April 2011. Connect Ohio Technical Outreach Coordinator Ira Dye responded to Pitzer’s inquiry.
Dye knew Frontier Communications, a broadband service provider, was in the midst of deploying a new, upgraded network and southern Ohio was one of the first stages of this project. Dye reached out to Richard Hutchinson, a regional manager for Frontier, and Tena McIntosh, local manager for Frontier, regarding Pitzer’s situation.
According to Hutchinson, a new ROADM network was being deployed in Georgetown, near Pitzer’s home.
“To enhance its network and improve the overall customer experience, Frontier has begun deploying ROADM Networks (or) Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer systems, which increase the network's flexibility and deliver higher speeds, among other benefits,” said Patrician Amendola, public relations spokesperson for Frontier.
“Tena called me and said that they would be upgrading my Internet service to a higher speed,” said Pitzer. “Then a representative came out to my house (for a field check) the first week of May.”
Pitzer brought her work computer home on May 27 and began teleworking that same week.
 | |
| Diana Pitzer |
“I’m just very excited,” said Pitzer. “I get to sleep in. I can spend 2 more hours a day doing whatever … it’s like a raise … a big raise. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Connect Ohio went the extra mile to find someone to help me.”
“It’s a positive story and her life changed by these upgrades,” said Hutchinson. “Our network is more capable and we’re helping others. The real plan is to get there for everybody – 85% of Frontier’s network will be upgraded within the next three years.”
“Tena's 20-plus years of technical experience coupled with her knowledge of the Georgetown market were distinct advantages in providing Diana with the speed she required,” said Amendola. “While this high-speed Internet example is for Brown County, similar customer experiences are happening daily throughout Frontier's markets in Ohio as more and more customers are transferred onto Frontier's ROADM networks and enjoy the benefits of higher speed.”
Thursday, March 10, 2011
USDA rural broadband loan program updated
The USDA today released new information for applicants for its broadband loan program for rural areas. The program is designed to provide loans for the costs of construction, improvement, and acquisition of facilities and equipment to provide broadband service to eligible rural communities.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA has issued a Notice of Solicitations of Applications and regulations implementing the 2008 Farm Bill for the broadband loan program.
“Broadband investments are an essential part of the Obama Administration’s effort to ‘win the future’ by out-innovating, out-educating, and out-building our global competitors,” Vilsack said in the announcement. “Investments in rural broadband networks create jobs and economic opportunity for rural America. Broadband is critical communications infrastructure of the twenty-first century, and it is vital to building vibrant rural communities.”
The notice is being issued prior to passage of a final appropriations act to allow applicants time to submit proposals and give the agency time to process applications within the current fiscal year, according to the USDA. Upon completion of a 2011 Appropriations Act, RUS will publish a subsequent notice identifying the amount of funding available for broadband loans.
The application guide to assist in preparing applications is available at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/utp_farmbill.html.
USDA’s Farm Bill broadband loan program has invested more than $1 billion over the past decade in more than 100 projects nationwide, according to the USDA announcement. RUS is planning to schedule training opportunities to educate applicants on new program requirements, and how to submit complete and competitive applications. Dates for the training will be published on the USDA website.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Partner Spotlight: Ohio Association of Broadcasters
The Ohio Association of Broadcasters (OAB) provides an important service to the Every Citizen Online (ECO) program. The nonprofit association is one of the oldest state broadcast associations in the country and has more than 95% of Ohio television stations and 80% of Ohio radio stations as members.
The OAB is distributing Connect Ohio’s ECO spots to its 300+ member radio and television stations for voluntary broadcasting of the 15-, 30-, and 60-second messages throughout the entire state. With the OAB’s help, the free basic computer training message is being broadcast thousands of times each month, reaching a large portion of the 4.4 million households in the state.
“The Ohio Association of Broadcasters, and our member radio and television stations around the state, are pleased to have a role in promoting the valuable training and resources available through Connect Ohio’s Every Citizen Online program,” said Christine Merritt, president of the OAB.
With the OAB and its members’ commitment, Connect Ohio anticipates equipping more than
200,000 Ohio adults with basic computer and Internet skills and helping more than 75,000 of
those adults adopt broadband use into their homes and daily lives.
For more information on the OAB, visit http://www.oab.org/.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Available Wi-Fi Keeps Meigs County Firefighters Trained and Working
Many areas of Ohio are still in the midst of the digital divide – and emergency services personnel are no exception.
A volunteer fire department in Bashan, Ohio felt the brunt of the divide when firefighters began losing their certification.
“Three lost their fire certification because they had no Internet here and the certification had to be completed online,” said Luck McDaniel, a Bashan volunteer firefighter.
Though the fire station housed one computer and had dial-up Internet access, McDaniel said the Internet capabilities were “not functional, wouldn’t download and took forever”. He approached the Wireless Internet Service Provider for the area, New Era Broadband, for any possible solutions.
David Hannum, with New Era Broadband, LLC, explained Bashan’s predicament.
“Point-to-Multipoint [Wireless Connectivity] has limitations due to terrain and foliage. You cannot get the signal over or around hills and into hollows directly most of the time,” he said.
Bashan is located in a low-lying area surrounded by elevated forest terrain.
New Era Broadband found a cost effective way to relay the Wi-Fi signal from one of their Access Point’s to a siren tower, then directly to a receiver atop the fire department’s building. With the help of Bart Winegar, Technical Outreach Manager for Connect Ohio, a partial grant provided by the Governor’s Office of Appalachia, the Meigs County Community Investment Corporation and New Era Broadband, the Bashan Volunteer Fire Department now has free broadband service.
“Now we can communicate with the State. Our firefighters are in compliance and staying in touch,” said McDaniel.
Winegar said, “This is an example of how a community can come together in a private/public collaboration to solve last-mile broadband issues.”
The relay system also offers high-speed Internet access to nearby residences. New Era Broadband can currently serve ten homes within 1000 feet of the siren tower. The company is planning some upgrades, which would increase that number to thirty.
New Era Broadband is also using the Bashan relay method as a pilot for other parts of their coverage area.
A volunteer fire department in Bashan, Ohio felt the brunt of the divide when firefighters began losing their certification.
“Three lost their fire certification because they had no Internet here and the certification had to be completed online,” said Luck McDaniel, a Bashan volunteer firefighter.
Though the fire station housed one computer and had dial-up Internet access, McDaniel said the Internet capabilities were “not functional, wouldn’t download and took forever”. He approached the Wireless Internet Service Provider for the area, New Era Broadband, for any possible solutions.
David Hannum, with New Era Broadband, LLC, explained Bashan’s predicament.
“Point-to-Multipoint [Wireless Connectivity] has limitations due to terrain and foliage. You cannot get the signal over or around hills and into hollows directly most of the time,” he said.
Bashan is located in a low-lying area surrounded by elevated forest terrain.
New Era Broadband found a cost effective way to relay the Wi-Fi signal from one of their Access Point’s to a siren tower, then directly to a receiver atop the fire department’s building. With the help of Bart Winegar, Technical Outreach Manager for Connect Ohio, a partial grant provided by the Governor’s Office of Appalachia, the Meigs County Community Investment Corporation and New Era Broadband, the Bashan Volunteer Fire Department now has free broadband service.
“Now we can communicate with the State. Our firefighters are in compliance and staying in touch,” said McDaniel.
Winegar said, “This is an example of how a community can come together in a private/public collaboration to solve last-mile broadband issues.”
The relay system also offers high-speed Internet access to nearby residences. New Era Broadband can currently serve ten homes within 1000 feet of the siren tower. The company is planning some upgrades, which would increase that number to thirty.
New Era Broadband is also using the Bashan relay method as a pilot for other parts of their coverage area.
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