Dayton Reporter

Montgomery County is moving forward with a plan to increase access to affordable, high-speed internet.

The Digital Advisory Committee heard directly from residents about their internet connection needs during three community meetings in Brookville and East and West Dayton on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"These meetings give us a chance to connect with our residents face-to-face," said Commission President Debbie Lieberman. "This is an issue that requires community involvement to generate impactful solutions."

High-speed internet is no longer viewed as a luxury. The pandemic showed how important the internet is to modern life and people's ability to participate in employment opportunities, education, telehealth visits and social functions.

"We must have the infrastructure in place to support reliable internet access, but expanding fiber networks into rural areas like Brookville and Jefferson Township isn't enough," said Montgomery County Administrator Michael Colbert. "People also need access to devices, and service must be affordable so they can remain connected."

That's where community input plays a key role. Citizens who attended the meetings were asked what connectivity challenges they have, who feels the most significant impact and what resources they are utilizing.

"We are asking these questions because we need a better understanding of what digital challenges citizens are facing here in Montgomery County," said Haley Carretta, Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives. "The problem with current data is that it's unreliable and often fails to recognize public WiFi efforts."

Accumulating its own data will help the County close the digital divide by prioritizing issues, learning what geographical areas are most affected and understanding what resources are working and need to be created and maintained.

The Committee will use its findings to work with Ice Miller, LLP and develop a strategy to address the County's digital equity gap. This information will be shared with the Board of County Commissioners and local jurisdictions to help them establish their own digital equity strategic plans.

The Digital Advisory Committee is comprised of local jurisdictions, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, Sinclair College and the Miami Valley Educational Computer Association. 

Original source can be found here.