FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Ohio Department of Development
Mike Hogan
(614) 644-1931
or
Bill Teets
(614) 466-2382
Columbus, Ohio

or
Governor's Office
Orest Holubec
(614) 644-0957

ACCESS APPALACHIA REPORT SHOWS SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES IN APPALACHIA OHIO

COLUMBUS –State Development Director Bruce Johnson announced today that recently-released research from the 2004 Access Appalachia report shows that Ohio’s 29 Appalachian Counties have significantly increased their broadband services capabilities in the region.

“I am pleased that the Access Appalachia report shows there is significantly more access to all forms of telecommunication service compared to several years ago,” said Johnson. “The widespread implementation of broadband services is a critical component for marketing the region for economic and community development purposes.”

The Access Appalachia report, compiled by Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Public Policy Consultants in Columbus, Ohio, is an ongoing initiative of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia (GOA). The project, funded through a grant provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), is aimed at assessing the supply and demand for advanced telecommunications services in the region. These advanced telecommunications services include digital subscriber line (DSL), cable modem, cellular and wireless coverage.

Since the first Access Appalachia report was compiled in 2002, significant improvements have been made to the region's ability to service broadband needs of business, education, health care, government and other vital public service facilities, in addition to private sector interests. The following are highlights from the report.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) – DSL availability in Ohio’s Appalachian region has more than doubled in the last two years. In 2002, DSL was virtually nonexistent in 14 Appalachian counties in Ohio. Today, DSL is available in all Appalachian counties except for Morgan.

Cable Modem - In 2002, cable modem broadband was not available in five Appalachian counties and virtually nonexistent in another three counties. Today, cable modem broadband is available in all of Ohio’s Appalachian counties, with the exception of Harrison.

Cellular – More wireless providers, consisting of Alltel, AT&T Wireless, Cincinnati Bell, Cingular, Sprint/Horizon, T-Mobile and Verizon, cover the area compared to two years ago. Cingular covers the largest amount of geography in the region.

Wireless – Wireless Internet broadband services exists in 16 of the 29 Appalachian Ohio counties. Additionally, they are providing broadband services in 15 of Ohio’s Appalachian counties.

According to GOA Director T.J. Justice, the report also indicates that competition for broadband services is increasing throughout the region, reducing costs and making the region more attractive for economic development. “While the task is not yet over, the progress is encouraging,” said Justice. “The State of Ohio remains committed to the continued expansion of broadband services throughout the Appalachian region. ”

Justice noted that, in addition to the Access Appalachia studies, Governor Bob Taft’s administration has spearheaded a number of initiatives designed to make the Ohio Appalachian region more competitive technologically. One of those efforts is the Appalachian Ohio Broadband Planning Process which is allowing five, multi-county cluster groups to complete plans to implement or improve the level of broadband services available throughout their counties. The Appalachian Ohio Broadband Planning Process is being overseen by a partnership of state agencies and private sector organizations known as the Rural Ohio Technology Infrastructure Group.

The GOA, a division of the ODOD, prioritizes investment opportunities for the State of Ohio and Appalachian Regional Commission to enhance the region’s workforce, economic development, health care, education, highway, and technology. It also serves as a policy advocate in the state and nation’s capital.

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Editor’s note: Both the 2004 and 2002 reports are available at www.accessappalachia.org.