Recent news and site updates...

Ohio Senate Bill 117, introduced by Senator Jeff Jacobson (R-Vandalia), would strip local governments of their historic franchise authority over cable companies and other video providers (i.e. telco companies like AT&T) that use public rights of way. Senator Lance Mason, who represents southeast Cleveland and the nearby suburbs, is a co-sponsor. The bill is strongly opposed by the City of Cleveland. The Digital Vision Board has adopted the following statement on Senate Bill 117:

From the perspective of our mission to promote full computer access and digital literacy for all Cleveland residents and neighborhoods, Cleveland Digital Vision sees major problems with Ohio Senate Bill 117 as introduced. Specifically:

1) SB 117 would eliminate our City Council's historic ability to negotiate with video/broadband franchisees for appropriate investment in community facilities and training to help close the city's digital divide, e.g. support for community technology centers;

2) SB 117 would eliminate the existing cable franchise obligation to offer digital TV and modem service in all Cleveland neighborhoods, and bar the city (or state) from seeking similar franchise commitments from any future provider -- in effect, legalizing digital disinvestment in Cleveland neighborhoods.

Digital Vision opposes the passage of SB 117 until these deficiencies have been remedied... either by restoring local governments' authority to negotiate enforceable community investment and service agreements with video/broadband providers, or by creating effective statewide mechanisms to accomplish the same purposes.

Senate Bill 117 (Ohio Senate site)

Mayor Jackson commits to citywide wi-fi in Cleveland

In his "State of the City" address today, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said:

I am pleased to announce today that Cleveland will move forward with developing a Citywide WI-FI network, potentially the first in Ohio. This network will provide wireless access throughout all 77 square miles of the City and position us for the future. We will increase our broadband penetration, and begin bridging the digital divide that has adversely affected low-income communities. Cleveland will be recognized as a city of technology. We will have an environment that promotes innovation, and we will be able to compete globally.

No other details have been announced. A wireless planning process involving a number of public and private organizations has been under way at Cleveland City Hall for several months.

"Establish the Ohio Community Learning Centers Initiative, to boost the use of online and distance education services through Ohio’s network of community technology centers. Modeled on successful programs such as the Cuyahoga Community College’s project at Rainbow Terrace, and over 300 community technology centers (CTCs) statewide, this program will mobilize CTCs with hands-on staff support and join them with the online learning resources of the Ohio Learning Network and the Ohio College Access Network... Implementing this program is estimated to be an annual investment of at least $5 million."

Read the whole Strickland broadband program.

See the ONE Ohio Blog here.