The Ohio House passed HB 2 on Feb. 18, sponsored by Representatives Carfanga (R-Genoa Twp.) and Stewart (R-Ashville). The bill creates the Ohio Residential Broa
Senate passes bill expanding broadband access
State Sen. Bob Peterson
COLUMBUS State Senator Bob Peterson (R-Washington Court House) last week announced the Senate’s unanimous passage of Senate Bill 8, which would increase access to broadband services in underserved areas of Ohio. This would be done through the creation of the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program.
“For years, it has become increasingly clear that reliable, high-speed broadband internet access is equally important in rural Ohio as it is in our cities and suburbs,” said Peterson. “This legislation is an important step to improving connectivity for all Ohioans, especially as many have been forced to transition to working, learning and receiving healthcare remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Legislative progress is being made in Ohio for rural broadband. The Ohio Senate passed SB 8 this week, allocating $20 million to build the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program, allowing for internet service providers to apply for grants that will help fund the infrastructure needed to provide faster internet access to underserved rural Ohio communities. There are also extensive measures for broadband included in Governor Mike DeWine's proposed budget.