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DEAR EDITOR:
I applaud your Oct. 4 editorial during Digital Inclusion Week, which pointed out the ongoing need for continued funding from the federal and state of Ohio governments to improve the lack of adequate broadband infrastructure in the region, particularly in more rural areas. Kudos to Eastgate Regional Council of Governments for their role in this process, and to the federal government for providing literally billions of dollars for infrastructure nationwide. You correctly pointed out that "digital inclusion and equity" has several components, including availability of affordable, high-speed internet, as well as the knowledge and skills to successfully navigate the Internet and access to affordable computer devices. Clearly, we need to continue our investment in infrastructure.
However, while you mentioned the efforts of the Columbus Metropolitan Library with respect to computer education, you ignored the considerable efforts of the Oak Hill Collaborative in Mahoning and Trumbull counties as the Digital Equity Champion in the Valley. We have partnered with the National Digital Inclusion Alliance since its inception. Our Digital Advantage Initiative promotes inclusion by: 1. making the internet more economical through enrolling residents in the Affordable Connectivity Program (which reduces monthly internet bills by $30 a month for all providers and on all plans for qualified households); 2. distributing refurbished laptops at reduced prices (in some cases, for no charge); 3. providing free computer classes and workshops at various sites in two counties.
Very few institutions in Ohio provide these alternatives. For Digital Inclusion Week 2023, we hosted 16 distinct events for the public.
Thank you for your interest in and support of Digital Equity and Inclusion.
PATRICK V. KERRIGAN
Executive Director, Oak Hill Collaborative
Youngstown