In Minnesota and Ohio, Connected Nation make strides in broadband assessments

In Ohio and Minnesota, Connected Nation groups just released updated maps on broadband availability and survey data on broadband adoption. Such assessments are crucial as states and others vie for funding for broadband expansion in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Connected Ohio's Technology Assessment found that since 2008 broadband adoption in Ohio increased from 55 percent to 62 percent. Ninety-five percent of Ohioans are able to buy Internet speeds of at least 786 kilobits per second, the speed of a basic DSL connection. That's up 3 percent from last year, according to the Connected Ohio report. Connected Ohio collected information from 76 Internet service providers in the state.

"This research shows that Ohio is making progress in closing the digital divide," said Governor Ted Strickland. "It's important that we continue to work to make broadband Internet available to all Ohioans, so they can take advantage of the multitude of opportunities in education, employment and entertainment."

Connected Ohio has established eLeadership Teams in each of its 88 counties with the aim of expanding the presence and use of broadband to rural areas of the state.

In Minnesota, Connected Nation released an updated broadband availability map, based on data from 110 broadband providers. Ninety-four percent of Minnesota households have access to broadband, leaving 97,282 Minnesota households unserved by any broadband provider.

Both states will continue to expand their assessments in preparation for targeted expansion made available by the $7 billion of stimulus funding that has yet to be apportioned to states.

Connected Nation

Connected Ohio

154,000 more Ohioans have access to broadband, study says (Cleveland.com)

Connected Minnesota

Connected Minnesota Updates Broadband Inventory Maps to Prepare for Federal Stimulus (Connect Minnesota)