Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission helps residents brace for Internet bill increase

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — Ohio ranks fifth in the nation for most households enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which ends this month.

As many explore alternative options for their internet connection, some parts of the state still don’t have access to high-speed internet.

2 NEWS spoke with Fabrice Juin, Regional Equity Initiative manager at the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, about closing the digital divide.

Juin says these days, internet access is not a commodity but a necessity.

“Whether it’s employment or education or even healthcare with TeleHealth now, not having the appropriate internet connection can literally limit how you’re able to access your community or society’s resources and opportunities as well,” said Juin.

Juin says that as of right now, over 1 million Ohioans do not have access to high-speed internet access, nearly 10% of the state’s population.

The importance of high-speed internet accessibility was highlighted during the pandemic. It also showcased the disparity of the digital divide in the state.

“We realized that the same communities that we know that are redlined, that are low-income or that are in food-insecure areas also are some of the same communities that we see that don’t have the appropriate internet connection,” said Juin.

The soon-to-end Affordable Connectivity Program provided much-needed solutions to many of these individuals and families. However, April is the final month for the program.

Juin says the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission has been meeting with internet service providers to help educate residents on the end of the program, and subsequent bill increase.

“We’re also exploring what new plan options are available for folks,” said Juin.

This includes sharing resources about the lowest-cost plans available.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.