Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Broadband topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners agree to end paid membership in Broadband Ohio, cite limited value for county
Summary
Medina County commissioners said they will stop paying their membership fee to Broadband Ohio after concluding the organization has been less effective than hoped in addressing broadband gaps, particularly in areas served by investor-owned providers.
The commissioners said the county will discontinue its paid membership in Broadband Ohio, reducing its contribution from $1,000 to $500 earlier and now deciding the $500 annual fee is not delivering the intended value.
Commissioners said the organization has not been as effective as expected in influencing investor-owned internet providers or in preventing duplication of publicly owned infrastructure in areas that already have service. County staff said they will continue to monitor state-level legislation and the advocacy of other organizations (including CCAO) and will support initiatives that expand broadband access to unserved areas, but that the county does not see continued membership at the current level as justified.
Why it matters: Broadband expansion and coordination remain priorities for local governments; the board indicated it will continue to engage on policy and legislation but will not renew the county’s paid membership at the current contribution level.
Next steps: County staff will continue coordination with regional partners and monitor legislative initiatives affecting broadband expansion.
