RESOURCES

Digital prosperity: How broadband can deliver health and equity to all communities

This study from the Brookings Institute documents the positive benefits of broadband internet access to job-seekers, businesses and communities. The study recommends the use of community-owned broadband networks to expand internet access.

Broadband for all: charting a path to economic growth.

This analysis from Deloitte highlights a strong correlation between broadband availability and jobs and GDP growth. The analysis also shows that higher broadband speeds drive noticeable improvements in job growth.

Bringing Broadband to Rural America

This research shows rural broadband access leads to increased job and population growth and lower unemployment rates.

Indiana Broadband Study

This 2018 study found a three-fold return on broadband installation investments.

Connecting the Dots of Ohio’s Broadband Policy

This 2017 study by the Ohio State University Swank Program determined that consumer benefits of broadband access is between $1,500 to $2,200 a person a year. That roughly translates to a possible economic boost of $22 to $33 million annually to the county.

The Cost of Connectivity 2020

This report found that across North America, Europe, and Asia, the highest average monthly prices for internet in the United States. In the U.S. market, prices vary widely across the country—but municipal networks tend to offer the fastest, most affordable options.

The Opportunity of Municipal Broadband

Municipal broadband networks present an opportunity to connect communities to this vital future-proof infrastructure—but many states have legislation in place that outright bans or de facto bars municipal networks from being built.Conservative analysis shows that over 11 million Americans—over half of the country’s estimated unconnected population—who do not have access to broadband live in states where municipal networks are barred or outright banned by state legislation

Ohio’s Community Broadband Solutions

Examples of Ohio municipal networks who have created local government savings, increased speeds, promoted services competition, and powered economic development through expanding internet infrastructure.

Common Sense Solutions for Closing the Digital Divide

This report explores three principles for broadband expansion: investing in robust broadband infrastructure, encouraging competition to spur Innovation and protect consumers, and require accountability and transparency. 

Finding the Missing Dots: An Update on Ohio Broadband Policy

A 2022 April report released by researchers with the Ohio State Swank program says there is a strong economic benefit for Ohio to invest in expanding and enhancing broadband coverage to unserved areas, as well as making the service more affordable and ensuring that users have access to adequate devices to use the internet for their needs.