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Internet for Everyone

WSYX Channel 6 News

The backbone of Ohio's internet network supports internet service for higher education and k through 12 schools. But it's capable of much more.

Computer expert Pankaj Shah said, "In some ways, this is a backbone that is big enough to absorb almost every state agency and traffic we have on it. Plus many more."

Governor Ted Strickland wants to take advantage of that space. He issued an executive order to shift all state agency internet service to this state-owned network. Right now, they use dozens of different ones.

Strickland said, "We believe that the savings that we can realize as a result of doing this will go a long way toward paying for the system that we hope to create throughout Ohio."

The governor wants you to use that system too. He wants every Ohioan to have internet access through this network. He says twenty million dollars in the budget will help reach that goal.

But how much will that access cost you?

Diana Fletcher uses the library's free internet because it costs too much at home.

She said, "Some of the prices for it is outrageous. American Online was 30 bucks or more and it depends on how they bill you."

The state is not taking over broadband service. The governor wants a public-private partnership to give more people better access. It could take anywhere from two months to two years to get Internet access to everyone in the state. There will also be grants available for people who need help paying for the service.

Last Updated: Friday, July 27 2007, 05:54 PM