During this national Digital Inclusion Week, Ohio Department of Development officials are focusing on making digital technology available and practical for all Buckeye State residents -- following the week's theme "Building Connected Communities."
"You cannot have opportunities in a modern economy without access to broadband internet and the skills to use it, which is why our mission to make Ohio more connected is so important," Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said Monday. "During this week, I encourage all Ohioans to take advantage of the resources available to become more knowledgeable and better able to use the tools that connect us across the state."
If they are able to connect at all, that is.
Sure, the National Digital Inclusion Alliance is hosting a series of webinars this week, and the Columbus Metropolitan Library is offering opportunities to develop digital skills and obtain affordable devices and internet connections. But what good does that do Ohioans who still don't have even the possibility of reliable, high-speed broadband internet access?
BroadbandOhio has spent the past three years helping to "bridge the digital divide and ensure that all Ohioans have high-speed internet access." But according to research website Broadband Search, "Ohio has less internet accessibility than many other … states." For those folks, touting the availability of digital skills classes is akin to showing them how to use all the features on their new refrigerator before the have electricity.