Billions are coming to Ohio for broadband access: How will it change things?

Governments and local nonprofits have dedicated billions of dollars to bring broadband internet to millions of Americans who don’t have it. The gaps don’t just include whether or not broadband internet is available at individual addresses, but the availability of devices, affordability, and the tools and skills to not get scammed while online. Federal funding has been designated for each state through both the Broadband Equity, Access, & Deployment (BEAD) Program in the amount of $42.45 billion, and the Digital Equity Act with $2.75 billion. Additionally, the Affordable Connectivity Program has a dedicated $14.2 billion intended to help families with their internet bill. National attention has been placed on broadband in recent years, as both the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased digitization of healthcare, business, education and other sectors has left communities without high-speed internet lacking. Particularly affected are those live in rural areas or low-income areas where running fiber doesn’t make sense, or isn’t profitable to private companies.