Knox Township MARCS tower dedication ceremony in Columbiana County

ConneCtedConnect ohio Quarterly

Connect Ohio Report Proves Broadband is Key to

Higher Business Revenues

Omnicity ConnectsColumbianaCounty, Dedicates New Tower

Brown County Resident Able to Telework After Contacting

Connect Ohio for Help

SuMMeR 2011

In the CommunityConnect Ohio has completed production of new public service announcements (PSAs) to educate Ohio residents of the free training classes being offered across the state that are teaching Ohioans the basics of computer and Internet usage.

Broadband service providers are encouraged to take advantage of the Every Citizen Online (ECO) television and radio PSAs for their own company use. The PSAs can be customized with a provider’s name and logo. Additional promotional opportunities through broadband service providers will increase exposure of the ECO program to Ohioans and, in turn, increase program participants and new broadband adopters.

What a great opportunity to increase subscribership and providers’ customer base exponentially!

If interested, please call 1-866-881-9494 or e-mail Amanda Murphy at amurphy@connectohio.org.

For more information on the ECO program, please visit http://connectohio.org/consumer_training/

Connect Ohio is a nonprofit, technology-neutral, public-private partnership that works with telecommunications providers,business and community

leaders, information technology companies, researchers, public agencies, libraries and universities in an effort to help extend affordable high-speed

Internet service to every Ohio household.

For more information about what Connect Ohio is doing to accelerate technology in Ohio’s communities, visit: www.connectohio.org.

© Connect Ohio 2011 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission prohibited.

Table of Contents

Connect ohio Report Proves Broadband is Key to Higher Business Revenues ............................................ 3

omnicity Connects Columbiana County, dedicates new tower ...................................................4

A Community’s outreach efforts Lead to Increased every Citizen online Participation ........................... 5

Brown County Resident Able to telework after Contacting Connect ohio for Help ................................. 6

Broadband Readiness Index Unveiled for U.S. Counties ..........6

digitalLiteracy.gov ........................................................................7

New Ohio Residential Technology Assessment Data

Connect Ohio has the privilege of providing Ohio with a valuable resource – a statewide consumer/residential technology assessment which includes county-specific data for each of the state’s 88 counties.

These assessments examine technology trends of county residents as they compare to the statewide average, such

as percentage of residents who have the Internet and/or broadband and barriers to Internet and broadband adoption.

The latest consumer survey has concluded and Connect Ohio’s 2011 Consumer Technology Assessment will be available by July. The current assessment includes detailed data, reflecting the broadband landscape for each county in Ohio. Though Connect Ohio conducts a statewide assessment annually, the last time that such a detailed analysis was completed was 2008.

Early trends from the 2011 assessment reveal that household broadband adoption growth has leveled off in Ohio, which is in line with the national trend. However, the use of mobile devices as a primary broadband access is growing significantly. Overall, broadband adoption in Ohio is significantly higher in 2011 than it was in 2008. Also, 82% of Ohioans said they either subscribe to home Internet service (dial-up or broadband) or they access the Internet from someplace other than home. Completed county and state assessments will be available at http://connectohio.org. Tom Fritz

executive Director, Connect Ohio

www.connectohio.org

A new study by Connect Ohio’s parent organization, Connected Nation, shows businesses with broadband have a clear advantage in revenue and thus potential job creation over businesses without it. The groundbreaking research involved surveys of more than 802 businesses across Ohio and shows that businesses using high-speed Internet connections report median annual revenues $200,000 more than businesses without broadband. However, the research estimates that approximately 88,000 Ohio businesses still do not use broadband technology today.

“The Internet opens a world of opportunity, not only for consumers, but for businesses,” Connect Ohio Executive Director Tom Fritz said. “One-third of Ohio businesses are not utilizing the digital opportunities of the Internet. Connect Ohio wants to ensure all Ohioans have access to the Internet’s many benefits.”

The new survey is the first of its kind and takes an in-depth look at all sectors of the state’s economy. An interactive application is available on the Connect Ohio website that allows you to see the impact on specific sectors of the state’s economy, from healthcare and manufacturing, to tourism and education.

The new Ohio Business Technology Assessment reveals how technology is being used by businesses and where gaps still remain across the state. The assessment is designed to measure technology adoption and the awareness of available broadband service among state businesses, and establish benchmarks for these metrics.

Below are a few key findings from the report: • Businesses with high-speed Internet connections report having

median annual revenues $200,000 more than businesses without broadband.

• Across the state, approximately 33% of businesses do not use broadband for their daily business needs. This includes 36% of small businesses, or approximately 34,000 businesses with five to nineteen employees.

• Only 53% of businesses in the Healthcare sector use broadband, meaning about 13,000 Healthcare-related businesses do not subscribe.

• 4 out of 5 businesses that do not subscribe to broadband say that either they do not need broadband or they do not know why they don’t subscribe. This is by far the most often-cited barrier to broadband adoption, followed by the lack of a computer, perceived security risks, and expense.

• 22% of state businesses let employees telework.• Statewide, approximately 59,000 businesses earn revenues from

online transactions. • $67.36 is the median monthly cost for broadband for state

businesses, which is slightly lower than the median price of $71.92 paid by all businesses in the states/territories served by Connected Nation. l

Connect Ohio Report Proves Broadband is Key to Higher Business Revenues

Broadband & Business Summary

86% 88%

72%67%

25% 22% 23% 22%

Computer Use BroadbandAdoption

Earn OnlineRevenues

EmployeesTelework

CONNeCTeD

4 Summer 2011

Columbiana County recently welcomed a new resident – one that is made of steel and stands 250 feet high. The new piece of infrastructure will allow more than 300 households and business in the area to receive high-speed Internet access.

Omnicity, a fixed-wireless Internet service provider, along with the collaborative efforts of Knox Township and Columbiana County officials, MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communication System) program staff, Tri-County Tower, and Columbiana County Port Authority, recently completed the new Knox Township MARCS tower. The nearly two-year project began in 2009 with Columbiana County Port Authority and Omnicity advocating the possibilities of broadband expansion.

A dedication ceremony and formal ribbon-cutting event took place May 31 in Alliance to recognize the new Knox Township MARCS tower, which has already been successful in expanding broadband access to residences, businesses, and schools throughout the area.

“This is the first tower in Ohio with fiber optics running to the tower itself, as well as a new technology known as WiMAX, which allows the opportunity for 4G capabilities and to upgrade connectivity speeds without replacing ground equipment,” said David Weddell, vice president of business development and corporate partnerships with Omnicity. “This represents our model for our future deployments. We’ll offer multiple services over this broadband connection.”

Omnicity is already serving 50 homes and plans to eventually serve about 300 from this single tower, as well as deploy additional towers and broadband service in the near future.

“A lot of people in this area have no Internet connection and some, not even cable,” said Columbiana County Commissioner Jim Hoppel. “This tower is a big advantage and it’s just a start. The community is very excited.”

Amy Mabbott, principal of Knox Elementary School, located across the street from the tower, shared how thankful she is for the school’s new connectivity at the dedication ceremony.

“Thank you for advocating for the families and children at Knox Elementary and for the opportunity for advanced technology,” said Mabbott.

According to Connect Ohio’s 2008 Consumer Technology Assessment for Columbiana County, 43% of households received broadband service to the home, significantly less

than the state average at the time, which was 55%. (A 2011 Residential Technology Assessment for each county will be available in July.)

Not only has the tower allowed for broadband connectivity, but it has also improved first-responder communications for the area through MARCS. According to its website, MARCS is an 800 MHz radio and data network that utilizes state-of-the-art trunked technology to provide statewide interoperability in digital clarity to its subscribers throughout Ohio and a 10-mile radius outside of Ohio. The MARCS system provides statewide, secure, reliable public service wireless communication for public safety and first responders.

“Before, emergency mutual aid calls were very difficult to hear on our radios,” said Ed Reichenbach, North Georgetown Fire Department chief. “We couldn’t hear what was happening in the southern part of the county. Since the tower, our radio transmissions are stronger and crystal clear. I can even hear radio transmissions outside of the county now.”

Connect Ohio technical outreach staff had a pivotal role in Omnicity’s expansion planning for Columbiana County and was pleased to share in the excitement at the tower’s dedication ceremony.

“This project is a great example of what can be accomplished with public-private partnerships to serve the fundamental needs of rural communities,” said Bart Winegar, technical outreach manager for Connect Ohio. “Hopefully, we can replicate this model in other rural areas.”

“Connect Ohio is providing two great things for us during this process,” said Weddell. “They are providing propagation studies and business models for us to know where to build and deploy, as well as assisting us with partnerships. Secondly, we can build it, but we need people to use it. Connect Ohio is helping with that by teaching adults how to use broadband (through the statewide Every Citizen Online program).”

As Omnicity continues with future expansion plans, Connect Ohio technical outreach staff will continue to provide assistance through propagation studies, business models, and public-private partnerships. l

Omnicity Connects Columbiana County, Dedicates New Tower

Connect ohio’s Bart Winegar and omnicity’s david Weddell in front of the new Knox township MARCS tower

CONNeCT OHIO QuARTeRly

www.connectohio.org 5

The Holmes County District Public Library has been offering Every Citizen Online (ECO) classes to county residents since the start of Connect Ohio’s ECO program. The library has two branches: the Central Branch, which is located in Millersburg, and the East Branch, which is located in the village of Walnut Creek.

“We are a small rural library, thus our class sizes have been small,” said Kelly Kokis, library employee and Every Citizen Online instructor. “(But) the courses are very helpful to our community. It’s a great opportunity for our patrons to get free training in the basics of computers: what they are, how they operate, what is involved with connecting to the Internet, the difference between dial-up and broadband, and how to safely browse the Internet.”

When participation numbers started out low, Kokis and library staff sought out various avenues to raise awareness of the free training. They have an announcement printed regularly in the local newspaper, promote through the library’s quarterly newsletter, have utilized the local radio station for publicity, and reached out to local businesses to help spread the word. What Kokis discovered through communicating with those in the area has not only helped fill training classes, but is providing a service to Holmes County residents.

“We found a common theme among older adults in our area. They didn’t want to attend the classes because they felt ashamed about not knowing anything about the computer,” shared Kokis.

Kokis and library staff decided to move the training. About a half mile down the road from the Walnut Creek library branch, the Every Citizen Online class was offered at a senior-living community on a Saturday and included two sessions with a break for lunch.

“The break between the sessions seems to assist with absorbing the information,” said Kokis.

The change in location and class structure was a success. The class held May 7 was full, with 10 senior adults and one younger adult.

“A lot of these things about computers I didn’t know,” said Lesley Smith, a senior citizen and ECO class participant. “I will be using the Internet much more often now.”

“I’m hitting the wrong buttons and need to know which buttons to hit when,” said class participant and senior Bryan Teate. “I like to e-mail with my friends and family. I still have a lot more to learn, but this is just great.”

“I was so happy the library was offering the class,” said Ruth Beachy, a 36-year-old ECO participant.

Beachy says the class exceeded her expectations. She has a friend who asked her if the classes were helpful for her. Beachy said she “definitely recommends” her friend take the class.

The Holmes County District Public Library has also found another unique opportunity.

“As word has spread about the classes, we have seen the interest rise among certain Amish communities,” said Kokis.

Holmes County has a large Amish community and some in this community are interested in learning the basics of computer and the Internet through the library’s ECO classes. Kokis said that whether they attend depends on if their church or employer will allow them to participate, but it’s yet another interested group Kokis and her staff have reached and are helping to bridge the technological gap. l

A Community’s Outreach efforts lead to Increased every Citizen Online Participation

CONNeCTeD

6 Summer 2011

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.

“Though the last mile team’s primary focus is getting service to the unserved, I contacted Diana to further asses her situation,” said Dye. “I spent a bit of time with Connect Ohio’s BroadbandStat interactive mapping tool, checked with the area providers, and was able to determine the best route for a possible solution.”

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.” l

Brown County Resident Able to Telework after Contacting Connect Ohio for Help

Pitzer estimates a savings of $80 each week by no longer commuting to the

office more than 40 miles away.

diana Pitzer

CONNeCT OHIO QuARTeRly

www.connectohio.org 7

Connect Ohio’s parent organization, Connected Nation, recently unveiled its Broadband Readiness Index – a powerful new tool that assesses the broadband infrastructure for all 3,219 counties in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The Index shows that counties containing 45.6% of the nation’s households still fall significantly short in meeting National Broadband Plan goals of fixed and mobile broadband access for both current and future needs.

“Connected Nation developed this national Broadband Readiness Index to provide anyone interested in broadband expansion with a very simple way to compare how communities are faring,” said Connected Nation CEO Brian Mefford. “The tool will become even more useful over time as we can easily track where progress is occurring and where it is not - and then to shape more intelligent strategies to spur improvements.”

The Broadband Readiness Index assesses the progress of counties in reaching national broadband infrastructure benchmarks established in the National Broadband Plan and the President’s Wireless Innovation Initiative. Utilizing data from the National Broadband Map, the Index measures how close counties are to reaching each of these goals:

• Universal Broadband for Today’s Needs: universal access to broadband at 3 Mbps download and 768 Kbps upload speeds, roughly commensurate with the Plan’s National Broadband Availability Target;

• Mobility: 98% availability of mobile wireless service, proposed by the Wireless Innovation Initiative; and

• Robust Broadband Markets: 85% availability of access to 50 Mbps fixed networks, which is comparable to the Plan’s goal that 100 million households have access to such networks by 2015.

The Index measures each county’s progress against each of these benchmarks, assigns a grade to each component, and calculates an overall

grade. It will be updated every six months as the National Broadband Map, www.broadbandmap.gov, data is updated. The tool is intended to be used in support of state, local, and regional broadband planning initiatives.

Download and view the Broadband Readiness Index by visiting http://connectednation.org/research/readiness_index.php. l

Broadband Readiness Index unveiled for u.S. Counties

Broadband Readiness Index

Grade % Households A . . . . . . . 24.6% B . . . . . . . . 29.8% C . . . . . . . 37.2% d . . . . . . . .8.4% F . . . . . . . . 0.09%

Digitalliteracy.gov

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke recently launched DigitalLiteracy.gov, a website designed to

increase digital literacy and lifelong learning skills that help Americans navigate the new Internet-based

economy. DigitalLiteracy.gov was created in partnership with nine federal agencies to provide librarians,

teachers, workforce trainers, and other practitioners a central location to share digital literacy content

and practices.  The site features resources and tools used to teach and develop digital literacy skills,

including lesson plans, video games, online training tools, and train-the-trainer materials. DigitalLiteracy.

gov has a workforce development page that offers career-building applications teaching the basics of word

processing, tips for building resumes, techniques for job searches, and more. This new digital resource is

a valuable online tool for new computer and Internet adopters.

Find us on social networking sites Connect Ohio can be found on Facebook and Twitter. Join us on these platforms for updates about our efforts to increase broadband availability and access around the state and share your ideas, comments, questions, videos, pictures and more with us and other contacts around Ohio.

www.twitter.com/ConnectOH

www.facebook.com/connectohio

232 N THIRD STReeT, SuITe 201COluMBuS, OH 43215

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Holmes County district Public Library eCo training