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Program Stakeholder Report October 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010 www.connectohio.org

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Connect Ohio 4th Quarter 2010 Progress Report

TRANSCRIPT

Program Stakeholder Report

October 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010

www.connectohio.org

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 2

Foreword

Jan. 15, 2011 Dear Connect Ohio Stakeholders, The end of fourth quarter 2010 marks new opportunities for Connect Ohio which will move us closer to the goal of bringing affordable broadband to all Ohioans. The fourth quarter has been filled with achievements for the State of Ohio as well as Connect Ohio. The details of our work to successfully plan, implement, and execute both the Every Citizen Online (ECO) and State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) program extension are outlined in the report that follows. Our $10 million Every Citizen Online project is up and running; bringing free state-wide computer classes to more than 200,000 residents over the next two years and helping those students become long-term subscribers to high-speed Internet service. A great many partnerships with libraries, community colleges, broadcasters, and other organizations have come together to ensure success. A collaborative team effort has been a key factor in securing the equipment, computers, facilities, trainers, curriculum, and collateral material necessary to launch the project and plan for the statewide execution of the ECO program. Community teams have fully transitioned from monthly to regional meetings and the launch of the ECO program across the state has been the focus this quarter. Connect Ohio will continue its efforts in the creation of last mile resources. State Operations Manager Bart Winegar has transitioned to a focus solely on last mile initiatives, along with Ira Dye, recently hired as Technical Outreach Coordinator. The second round of data collection has been completed, per the NTIA guidelines. Continuing to reach out to the private sector helps create relationships and will benefit both the ECO program and the data collection and validation component of the SBDD grant. New research data is now available to consumers. The 2010 Residential Technology and Business Assessments provide state-wide statistics that measure technology adoption and the awareness of broadband service among Ohio businesses and residents. Our mission and focus remain the same throughout the changes. We are continuing to emphasize broadband availability, awareness, adoption, affordability, and access to all state residents. Respectfully Submitted,

Tom Fritz Executive Director, Connect Ohio

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 3

Purpose and Overview

This quarterly report showcases the progress made in the fourth quarter of 2010 toward bringing affordable broadband to all Ohio households and businesses, as well as continued economic development initiatives in the state. Connect Ohio has continued to develop relationships with its existing partners over the past 90 days. The creation of partnerships with groups that share similar goals for the expansion of broadband in Ohio have been developed and maintained. This report includes: · Operations and Management

Implementation of the components associated with the State Broadband Data and Development (SBDD) grant extension, Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant, the launch of the ECO program, and changes to the format and focus of the organization

· Partnership Development

Continuing work with providers through data collection, creation of relationships with grant sub-recipients in support of the ECO program, and recap of the December 2010 Technology Association meeting

· Marketing and Communication

Outreach through our website along with traditional and social media and the launch of the ECO awareness campaign statewide

· Localized Planning

ECO, Last Mile initiatives, Request for Proposals (RFPs), Regional Transitions, and BroadbandStat inquiries

· Mapping

Compilation and release of data collected, preparation of updated maps, continual collection of provider data for ongoing mapping updates and biannual collection deadlines

· Research

Discussion of the 2010 Technology and Business Assessments in addition to the comparison of Ohio statistics versus national statistics

· Outreach and Community Programs

The transition from monthly to regional teams, ECO program preparation and launch

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 4

Operations and Management

Guiding Ohio’s eCommunity Strategies project team members, Connect Ohio identified and assisted with the implementation of community broadband projects to continue advancement of broadband availability and adoption throughout Ohio. Over the course of the past quarter, county teams have been transitioned into 24 regional teams in an effort to transition teams to independent local control as well as to promote an exchange of best practices and collaboration while working toward a June, 2010, end to the eCommunity Strategies program oversight. The county members are included within the regional meetings, which rotate to include regular visits to facilities and partners within each county. Ohio’s investment in the Connect Ohio program has been leveraged substantially in order to provide ongoing support to the state, and an expansion of services through federal funding. The commitment made by Ohio was leveraged to provide matching funds for two grants which provide new funding for the Every Citizen Online training program and extended funding for the mapping and data development program now required of the state. Ohio’s foresight into the development of these data has helped to put our state at the forefront of these efforts. Leveraging the eCS and mapping programs already in place has allowed for the quick implementation of statewide training as well as last-mile technical assistance initiatives, while maintaining and leveraging local community communication and participation in the programs. A Technical Assistance Team is now able to provide focused technical outreach and support through meeting facilitation, stakeholder collaboration and technical services, including in-depth provider expansion studies. Each of these studies involves a wide range of inputs, from the climate that the network will reside in, to soil content, to the gauge of cable used at the prospective location. Though inputs may be complex, the resulting output can be as simple a colorful map showing what the broadband service area will look like. Jackson and Hocking counties are two stakeholders currently utilizing the services offered by the Technical Outreach division. Connect Ohio is continuing its communication with partner organizations, including technology providers, state officials, and other stakeholders. Such efforts include regular telephone, e-mail, and in-person conversations, as well as forums and gatherings which offer a unique opportunity for collaboration within the stakeholder community. After a great deal of internal preparation, the ECO program officially launched to consumers on December 20, 2010, with TV and radio public service announcements. Contracts have been signed with more than 100 libraries and community colleges to provide the training to Ohioans who currently are not using broadband services. Many sub-recipients begin training classes in January, 2011. Sub-recipients have each received a program manual, updated program materials, and ECO print public service announcements (PSA).

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 5

Connect Ohio has reconfigured its staffing to optimize the work of state and federal requirements. Some staff has been reassigned to incorporate new duties, and additional staff has been added to manage the ECO program, technical services and day-to-day duties required by the expanded programming, including: -Business Affairs Intern Benj Foor, hired to assist with ECO, as well as technical operations -Junior Project Manager Ira Dye, hired to assist Technical Operations Manager Bart Winegar with technical last-mile design and to help local communities prepare Request for Proposals (RFP) -Compliance Coordinator Vicki Wahl, hired to manage all compliance and legal issues of the ECO program -Public Relations Specialist Amanda Murphy, hired to replace the outgoing PR Specialist Rachelle Manson and to maintain communications with public and private partners and coordinate with media outlets across the state to gain maximum exposure and awareness for the ECO program -Administrative Assistant Katie Beaumont, hired to provide administrative support, facilities management, and to assist with coordinating special events for stakeholders.

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 6

Partnership Development Our partnerships with broadband providers and local communities were strengthened during the fourth quarter of 2010. Connect Ohio representatives have continued to work with broadband providers in the state to gather changes in broadband service areas and to update BroadbandStat, which releases the data in real time, as it is processed. These changes will help non-subscribing consumers find service providers available in their area and for providers to see where unserved areas still exist. Data collection supports consumer broadband inquiries. Broadband Inquires help Connect Ohio recognize new demand areas which can result in new and improved investments. Mapping updates are slated to continue biannually. The recently updated broadband inquiry procedure has provided a more effective and efficient way to “close the loop” with the Ohio resident who is actively seeking broadband service. The relationships created with Broadband providers have made seeking availability information for the consumer an easier process. In addition, Connect Ohio is utilizing its strong connections with broadband providers to provide consumer incentives to participants who successfully complete the ECO computer training offered throughout the state. Over the past quarter, Connect Ohio has strengthened community partnerships by formalizing contracts with approximately 100 non-profit organizations to deliver training, awareness, facilities, call center services, and other services in support of the Every Citizen Online program. Local jobs are being directly created as these organizations begin to provide training to help their local workforce become better prepared and better connected with the resources available through broadband services. Connect Ohio held its quarterly Technology Association meeting on December 10, 2010, with more than 60 stakeholders, broadband providers, and library and community representatives in attendance. Representatives from the offices of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Senator Joe Schiavoni, Senator John Carey, and State Representative John Patrick Carney were also in attendance. The meeting detailed the progress of the ECO program, a two-year effort to increase sustainable broadband adoption for more than 200,000 state residents by providing free computer training sessions at public libraries and community colleges throughout Ohio. New broadband coverage maps were also introduced, featuring additional information about the availability of coverage as well as the highest speed available to consumers. The maps can be found at http://www.connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/speed_maps.php. Connect Ohio’s Technical Outreach Manager Bart Winegar gave attendees an overview of current last mile assistance projects in Ohio. The last mile projects offer assistance to Ohio communities that lack access to broadband by identifying, researching, and mapping unserved areas and interacting with local planning teams to determine the best practices to increase broadband capacity in that area.

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 7

Connect Ohio’s Tom Fritz also presented Governor Strickland and University of Rio Grande’s Kingsley Meyer with Broadband Hero awards for their hard work and dedication toward expanding affordable broadband and high-speed Internet access to all Ohioans.

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 8

Marketing and Communication

Connect Ohio continued to use its traditional and new media sources to increase public and industry awareness of its efforts to engage new stakeholders in its mission of bringing affordable broadband to every Ohioan. More than 7 million positive media impressions were produced in print and electronic media publications in the fourth quarter of 2010, which included stories in the Columbus Dispatch, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Toledo Blade, WDTN-TV, as well as various social media and blog mentions. Coverage consisted of Connect Ohio's BTOP stimulus grant award, Ohio’s SBDD grant extension award, the Every Citizen Online launch, as well as the organization's continued efforts to bring broadband to unserved and underserved rural areas across the state. Connect Ohio's website had 4,648 unique visitors during the quarter, with 26,873 page views. Updates and broadband success stories continue to be updated on Connect Ohio's Twitter and Facebook pages. The public has taken advantage of the resources to ask questions and share broadband inquiries. As of the end of 2010, 510 people have subscribed to Connect Ohio's Facebook feed, up 78 from third quarter, while the Twitter page has 256 followers, which is an increase of 69. RSS feeds for broadband news, stimulus reports, and Connect Ohio's mentions in the media are updated each weekday. 246 people subscribe to these feeds. Marketing and Communications has already played a big role in the Every Citizen Online program through the production of TV, radio, and print public service announcements (PSA), as well as the sharing of positive stories through newsletters and both traditional and social media outreach. Applicable Program Milestones*

Milestone Status CommentsConduct Technical Association Meetings

Dec. 10, 2010 Dec. 10, 2010 Completed.

Approximately 60 stakeholders in attendance.

ECO TV & Radio PSAs begin airing on education stations

Dec. 20, 2010 Dec. 20, 2010 Completed.

ECO call center & locations begin receiv ing calls for registration.

Baseline Finish

Actual Finish

* reported as of Jan. 15, 2011.

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 9

Localized Planning Connect Ohio is focusing its localized planning efforts into an emphasis on specific projects such as last mile, training initiatives, and Every Citizen Online (ECO) awareness. State Operations Manager Bart Winegar and Technical Outreach Coordinator Ira Dye offer technical last mile design assistance and help local communities prepare Request for Proposals (RFP). RFP documents create a format for public-private collaboration to expand broadband availability through rural Appalachia and help connect local communities with Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) to help drive specific expansion plans for large unserved areas. These plans have given Connect Ohio the ability to bring broadband to large portions of previously underserved counties with minimal investments from local governments. A current example is in Jackson County. Working closely with Connect Ohio, the Jackson Economic Development (JED) team took the lead in developing a comprehensive plan to cover 90% of the county with wireless broadband. They located and provided coordinates for all appropriate vertical assets in the county. Connect Ohio used the information to create a propagation study to be included with the plan and RFP. The JED has drafted access agreements with all parties in control of the vertical assets and only two remained to be signed. The goal is to release the RFP February 2011. Another example of our technical last mile assistance is Athens County. The county has had an active eCS team this year that met regularly and cooperated with broadband providers. As a result, IntelliWave received a Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) award to serve an unserved portion of the county. In addition, Frontier Communications is expanding DSL service and Horizon Telcom will be installing middle mile fiber to several anchor points. One of the anchor points will be a MARCS tower. Our goal is for IntelliWave or another provider to take advantage and provide service to additional unserved areas. We plan to meet regularly with the county’s eCS team and providers to monitor expansion progress and to look for ways to leverage new services to reach more areas. Connect Ohio has completed the transition from eCommunity Strategies to the ECO program sessions. Connect Ohio’s State Operations Managers-- Heather Delany, Don Shirley, and Jeff Beebe—hold monthly meetings in 24 regions across the state focused on the ECO program. Last mile and technical questions or issues asked in the meetings are referred to Bart Winegar for follow-up. In November, regional ECO update meetings officially began. At these meetings, managers set goals, identify equipment needs, review progress, and deliver updates about the ECO program. Partners from eCommunity Strategies teams are encouraged to attend these meetings and to identify best practices and potential partners to further their local goals.

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 10

State Operations Managers are working to ensure that all counties have access to a local facility offering the ECO courses. The ECO website is updated weekly as sub-recipient contracts are completed and new locations are confirmed. There are currently over 100 libraries and community colleges under contract with Connect Ohio to provide ECO training. Many sub-recipients are launching their ECO training in January 2011. Program publicity began with the launch of the ECO public service announcements (PSA) which began airing on educational television and radio stations throughout Ohio on December 20, 2010, and continues with media releases and compiled stories of ECO program launch dates and successes. The produced PSAs will begin airing on an additional 200+ TV and radio stations beginning January 1, 2011, and continue to run for the duration of the 24-month ECO campaign. ECO print materials, including posters and mail stuffers, were produced to raise awareness of the program, as well. A second round of PSAs, including newspaper print, will be produced first quarter of 2011. ECO sub-recipients have been provided with webinar training of the custom ECO Sharepoint site, where they are able to locate, view, and download ECO program materials and ECO PSAs and print materials. Sub-recipients and ECO instructors have received webinar training for use of the ECO self-paced curriculum website. ECO locations are already receiving program inquiries and registrations. Applicable Program Milestones*

Milestone

Baseline Finish

Actual Finish

Status

Comment

Local engagement in 88 counties on specific projects

Ongoing

88 counties engaged

in project management initiatives.

Local teams meetings held Ongoing 108 meetings held

* reported as of Jan. 15, 2011.

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 11

Mapping

The organization’s mapping data gives Ohio residents a robust guide to available service. The maps are based on information obtained through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Data Improvement Act as well as the State Broadband Data Development Program. The information is designed to help consumers seeking new or improved broadband service. These maps are available for the state as a whole and also for each county, and can be accessed at www.connectohio.org by stakeholders, citizens, and technology providers. Ohio’s latest mapping research depicts the maximum advertised download speed by Census Block or wireless footprint across the state. The speed map allows community members and businesses to find the best service in their area. Ohio’s latest mapping research can be found at: http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/speed_maps.php Connect Ohio also worked to make its BroadbandStat verification process more intuitive. BroadbandStat calls for Ohio residents to validate the information found on the maps by phone or through the website. If a resident doesn't have service, they are requested to fill out a form or provide information over the telephone which will be passed along to providers with the goal of increasing private investment into unserved and underserved areas. These forms allow citizens, consumers, and others to provide detailed feedback, which helps to ensure the accuracy of our maps. In addition to having a direct line to supply information about availability, consumers can use the site to ask questions, provide feedback, and identify providers for their specific address. About 2,690 inquiries have been received statewide, which is an increase of 70 inquiries. The maps are updated semi-annually and include data provided by 104 broadband service providers across the state. Statewide and County Specific Maximum Broadband Download Speed: This map depicts the maximum advertised download speed by Census Block or wireless footprint across the state. The inclusion of maximum advertised speed data is a refinement made possible to the state by its participation in the SBDD program.

Map Title: Maximum Residential Broadband Download Speed URL: http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/speed_maps.php Map Title: Maximum Residential Broadband Download Speed for Ohio counties URL: http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/speed_maps.php

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 12

Statewide and County Specific Broadband Availability: This map depicts a geographic representation of provider-based broadband data represented by cable, DSL, wireless, fiber, etc. This map also incorporates data such as political boundaries and major transportation networks in the state. Included in this map will also be the vertical assets that can be utilized for broadband network facilitation or transmission.

Map Title: Broadband Service Inventory for the State of Ohio URL: http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/Availability_Maps.php Map Title: Broadband Service Inventory for Ohio counties URL: http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/Availability_Maps.php

Statewide Unserved Households by Census Block (also available with density information): This presentation of data uses the smallest geographic region that the U.S. Census acknowledges, the Census Block, and the broadband data to create a representation of how many households in any given Census Block do not have service available. Density maps normalize the data by calculating the density of households per square mile for each Census Block.

Map Title: Number of Households Unserved by a Broadband Provider by Census Block URL: http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/Availability_Maps.php Map Title: Density of Households Unserved by a Broadband Provider by Census Block URL: http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/Availability_Maps.php

Interactive Maps Connect Ohio provides BroadbandStat, an online tool, built and hosted by Connected Nation, intended to allow users to create completely customized views and maps of broadband infrastructure across the state. The self-service nature of this portal empowers Ohio’s citizens to take an active role in seeking service, upgrading service, or simply becoming increasingly aware of what broadband capabilities and possibilities exist in their area, city, county, or state.

Map: Interactive site screen shot of density of unserved households and Broadband available. URL: http://connectohio.org/mapping_and_research/interactive_map.php

Applicable Program Milestones*

* reported as of June 30 2010.

Milestone

Baseline Finish

Actual Finish

Status

Comments

After release of first statewide map, updated regularly. Next update due April 2011 under current state contract

3Q09

Sept 30, 08 and ongoing

Updates posted April 30, 2010, and

ongoing Broadband Inquiry forms available

online provide real-time data query. 104 providers reflected.

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 13

Research

Research continues to be a strong emphasis for Connect Ohio. Earlier this year, Connect Ohio released its extended version of the 2010 Residential Technology Assessment survey results, which provides a more detailed analysis of broadband adoption and availability and identified barriers throughout the state. Data were collected through a random sample of 1,200 households between February and March by the Thoroughbred Research Group in Louisville, Ky. The 2010 Technology Assessment including the executive summary can be found here: http://connectohio.org/_documents/OH_StatewideQ1_FINAL_092310.pdf According to Connect Ohio's Residential Technology Research, 66 percent of Ohioans currently subscribe to some type of broadband service at their home, an increase from 2009’s rate of 62 percent. While broadband adoption statistics and the reasons for non-technology use between residents of Ohio and the United States are similar, the state is seeing more residents accessing the Internet. Connect Ohio also released its 2010 Business Assessment survey results earlier in the year, which can be viewed at http://connectohio.org/_documents/OH_BIZ_SHORT_FINAL.pdf. The business assessment survey details the statistics of state-wide businesses that have broadband service, own a computer, access Ohio state websites, employees who telework, etc. The data show that 67 percent of businesses have access to broadband service and 88 percent of the businesses surveyed use a computer. Applicable Program Milestones*

Milestone

Baseline Finish

Actual Finish

Status

Comments

Statewide consumer survey to identify cultural barriers to adoption.

June 20, 2010

Complete

Statewide business survey to identify needs of Ohio’s business community with regard to technology planning and adoption.

July 31, 2010

Complete

Individual county technology assessments produced

June 30, 2011 Scheduled for Spring 2011

* reported as of June 30, 2010

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 14

Outreach and Community Programs

Connect Ohio’s Every Citizen Online (ECO) program launched to the public in December 2010, after planning and infrastructure construction which took place between March, 2010 and the December launch date. The program encourages broadband adoption in Ohio by conducting training sessions at more than 100 libraries and community colleges throughout the state, as well as online self-paced training. The ECO website launched December 20 and is host to the ECO self-paced training program. The self-paced training can be completed online from any location with access to a computer and the Internet, allowing Ohioans to complete the training on their own schedule if they are unable to attend classroom training at sub-recipient locations. Each sub-recipient assigned qualified instructors to provide the ECO training. An ECO Sharepoint site was created for sub-recipients and ECO instructors. The site serves as a centralized location for training, awareness materials, ECO manual documents, and answers to common program questions. ECO training begins at many of the sub-recipient locations January 2011. New sub-recipient locations are being added to the program weekly until the program is in full deployment February 2011. More than 2,000 laptop and desktop computers are being distributed to chosen sub-recipients in most need of computer labs in order to conduct ECO training and even to create mobile ECO training labs. In order to leverage state funds for the program, Connect Ohio distributed computers from the Every Citizen Online portion of the state contract to sub-recipients, and included them as matching contributions to the federal program. A sampling of Connect Ohio’s technology distribution efforts during 4Q10: Distribution: Computer distributions in Ashtabula County

Date: December 20, 2010 COH Representative: Jeff Beebe, State Operations Manager, Eastern Ohio Participants: Library staffers Overview: Four computers will be used at Ashtabula Public Library in order to provide community members the opportunity to take part in the ECO’s Self-Paced Curriculum trainings.

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 15

Distribution: Computer distributions in Highland County Date: December 28, 2010 COH Representative: Don Shirley, State Operations Manager, Southern Ohio Participants: Library staffers Overview: Sixteen computers will be used by Southern State Community College for a mobile classroom for ECO classes in the southern territory. The computers will serve three counties that fall outside of Southern State’s facility that would have otherwise not been able to participate in the ECO project.

A public awareness campaign was created and distribution began December 20, 2010. The PSAs include 15-, 30-, and 60-second radio and television spots, as well as print publications to be distributed to households through utility bills and newspaper spots. A second round of PSAs will be produced in March 2011. The PSAs will be in statewide publications for two years. Sub-recipients have received modifiable print materials to be displayed at their locations. All PSA campaign materials direct Ohioans to the Connect Ohio Every Citizen Online website or to 1-855-NOW-I-CAN (669-4226). Phone calls received to the 855 number go to a call center created through our partnership with GroundWork Group. The call center launched December 20, 2010. Callers have the opportunity to speak to a representative during normal business hours or use an automated phone system after-hours to receive contact information for sub-recipient training locations in their local area. State Operations Managers have worked with communities and community leaders on broadband availability programs through RFPs, which are leading to our goal of increased broadband availability and adoption through the state. We will continue our assistance in the future through Technical Manager Bart Winegar and our Junior Project Manager, Ira Dye, who will offer help in consulting, identification of vertical assets, and support in writing proposals. Managers continue to conduct monthly regional meetings, allowing for more efficient work with three to four county teams on individual projects. Through RFPs, Connect Ohio State Operations Managers are actively working with communities and community leaders on broadband availability proposals which add to our goal of increased broadband availability and adoption throughout the state. Assistance has ranged from consulting, identification of vertical assets, to support in writing the proposal itself. Connect Ohio extended its commitment to spreading the word about broadband inquiries, from some questioning their level of service to others who don't have access to broadband service. Efficient maps are created by increased participation from providers as well as consumers.

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 16

Reporting and Accountability American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Since Connect Ohio is the primary contractor for the Ohio Office of Information Technology’s NTIA broadband mapping project, which is funded by federal ARRA dollars, additional reporting and accountability methods continue to be adopted and executed. This award requires the recipient to complete projects or activities which are funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("Recovery Act") and to report on use of Recovery Act funds provided through this award. Information from these reports will be made available to the public. The reports are due no later than ten calendar days after each calendar quarter in which the recipient receives the assistance award funded in whole or in part by the Recovery Act. Connect Ohio also has significant reporting requirements for its BTOP grant program from the NTIA. These funds are awarded directly to Connected Nation and their use and performance is reported separately, directly to the NTIA. Because significant linkages between the state’s ECS program and the newly created ECO program exist, and because matching funds from the state’s original Connect Ohio program are utilized, a discussion of the progress of the ECO program has been included throughout this report. Additional reporting and accountability efforts The Connect Ohio initiative depends on frequent communication as it works to enable broadband deployment and usage through partnership building. Reporting and accountability are key components to ensure that all stakeholders are engaged and aware of opportunities, successes, and potential hurdles encountered along the way. This Connect Ohio Fourth Quarter Progress Report has been produced to communicate details of our work to the Advisory Committee, Stakeholders, and internal partners. Updates to the Connect Ohio website now communicate the latest maps, research, staff and contact information, and calendar of meetings. Weekly telephone conferences have been established between the Ohio Broadband Council and the Governor’s Policy Office, and local communities have received information tailored to their unique characteristics in every county in Ohio. A promotional information packet is available to partners and media. Presentations and public forums have enabled the program to extend its reach and form new groups of supporters. These public meetings serve as another venue for progress reports and as enlistment events to build a wider base of support and to distribute information to media, stakeholder groups, and citizens about Connect Ohio’s activities.

© 2010 Connect Ohio® www.connectohio.org 17

In all, more than 4,200 Ohio stakeholders have directly contributed to the effort in local and statewide efforts to build momentum in the program. All are kept abreast of our developments through community activity reports, e-mail and website communication, print, telephone, and personal contact. By continuing to offer top-quality communication and the opportunity for involvement in the program, Connect Ohio looks forward to completing the task of enabling complete statewide broadband availability and dramatically increased use of technology.