Ohio Releases Statewide Broadband Report 

InnovateOhio, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), issued a statewide broadband access report.  The report is a compilation of responses the state received to the broadband request for information (RFI) as well as individual stakeholder interviews.  

“My administration is committed to making sure broadband is a part of our overall infrastructure strategy,” said Governor DeWine.  “This report provides interesting insight into opportunities Ohio can take advantage of as we develop plans to improve and expand broadband across the state.” 

The key finding of the report is that the rights-of-way along state-owned interstate highways hold considerable value that can be leveraged in order to expand broadband.  The RFI received 24 respondents, and of those, the committee arranged eight follow-up, fact-finding meetings.  The committee found: 

Positives Identified: 

• Many providers and consumer-facing companies are investing heavily in and densifying their networks to the benefit of Ohioans.   
• New companies are establishing a presence in Ohio. 
• New partnerships are beginning to emerge in order to utilize new technology to provide greater broadband internet access. 
• Challenges Identified: 
• In the past, Ohio has not achieved its fair share of Connect America Funds (CAF), which are awarded by the FCC because, thus far, the state has not produced a statewide broadband strategy. 
• Many of the RFI respondents identified outdated tax codes that would inhibit and/or discourage companies from wanting to partner with Ohio. 
• General “red tape” issues, such as a lack of statewide standard on placing utility lines beneath railroad crossings, which cause costly time and financial burdens. 

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The Regulatory Mix Today: Ohio Releases Statewide Broadband Report, US House Supply Chain Security Bill Introduced, US House Spectrum Sharing Legislation

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Supply Chain Security Bill Introduced 

Congressmen Mike Doyle (PA-18) and Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) introduced H.R. 4461, the Network Security Information Sharing Act, which would facilitate information sharing from the federal government to the private sector regarding supply chain vulnerabilities. This bipartisan legislation addresses the need for greater transparency and communication in the effort to secure our networks from foreign interference. 

The Act instructs various government agencies (DHS, DNI, FBI, NTIA, FCC) to establish a program to discuss supply chain risks with ‘trusted providers’—advanced communications service providers, particularly the small businesses and those serving rural areas. Together, the agencies will: 

• Hold regular briefings to share information; 
• Submit to Congress a plan to declassify certain material, where appropriate, to help information sharing, as well as expand and expedite provision of clearances for that information sharing; and 
• Ensure that these activities are integrated with ongoing activities instead of being duplicative. 

“The threat foreign actors pose to the U.S. economy has never been greater,” said Congressman Doyle. “Attacks on businesses over the internet or through telecommunications equipment have the potential today to devastate individual companies – or entire supply chains. One of the most effective steps the federal government can take to prevent such cyberattacks is to work more closely with advanced communications service providers to eliminate potential backdoors and other supply chain risks. The National Security Information Sharing Act would establish programs to facilitate the sharing of such information.” 

“The security of American communications and information networks is paramount to our national security. Certain foreign adversaries have systematically coerced their equipment manufacturers to embed backdoors and other capabilities into their products, which are later purchased by American companies and integrated into our networks. No foreign actor should have the ability to eavesdrop on our citizens or our government—let alone use these backdoors to launch cyberattacks or disrupt our communications,” said Congressman Kinzinger. “I’m proud to introduce this legislation with my colleague, Congressman Doyle, to make sure our private sector can become better aware of these threats and avoid purchasing or installing such dangerous equipment.” 

SHARE: Spectrum Sharing Legislation  

U.S. Representatives Mike Doyle (PA-18) and Bob Latta (OH-5) announced that they have introduced a bill to promote more efficient sharing of the radio-magnetic spectrum that is assigned for federal use.  HR 4462, the Studying How to Harness Airwave Resources Efficiently (SHARE) Act would direct NTIA, in consultation with the FCC, to establish a research and development program to explore new ways for multiple federal entities to share the spectrum that has been assigned to them. It also authorizes $50 million for the spectrum sharing research and development program.  A section-by-section description of the SHARE Act is available here. 

“I’m glad today to introduce this legislation with my friend Ranking Member Bob Latta (OH-05). This bill will assist the federal government in adopting new techniques and technologies to more effectively use the spectrum it possesses.” Congressman Doyle observed. “We need to ensure that the federal government uses its spectrum in the most efficient way possible. My hope is that this legislation can help the federal government be more a better steward of this precious and limited resource and in so doing facilitate more spectrum for future innovative technologies and increased commercial use. The SHARE Act would explore the potential for reducing the amount of spectrum the federal government will need.” 

“Spectrum is a valuable, limited resource that is widely used for countless federal and commercial purposes – from completing critical defense missions to building a 5G network to connecting to Wi-Fi.” Congressman Latta said. “The SHARE Act recognizes that we need to harness the full potential of federally-held spectrum by having the appropriate entities explore ways to efficiently share this important asset.  I appreciate my friend from Pennsylvania for working with me on this legislation and I look forward to seeing its results.” 

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The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.

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