Ohio Cable Telecommunications Association

06/29/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/29/2022 08:03

OCTA Presents Lt. Governor Jon Husted with Inaugural Champion of Broadband Award

06/29/2022

The award recognizes leading advocates of broadband connectivity in Ohio

OCTA - Ohio's Broadband and Cable Association is honored to recognize Lt.Governor Jon Husted with the inaugural Champion of Broadband Award. This award has been established to recognize Ohioans who are leading advocates of broadband connectivity in the state. The Lt. Governor received the award today during a special ceremony at Ohio Northern University in Ada.

"OCTA created the Champion of Broadband Award to recognize those who support broadband access and opportunity across the state, it was immediately clear that the ideal leader to be the first recipient of this honor would be Lt. Governor Jon Husted," explained Executive Director of OCTA David Koren. "He has been a true champion for the expansion of quality, high-speed internet connectivity to unserved Ohioans."

As the Director of InnovateOhio and the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation, Lt. Governor Husted is a driving force in the state's broadband expansion progress. Together with Governor Mike DeWine, Husted created BroadbandOhio, which oversees the state's initial $270 million broadband expansion grant program established to support connectivity projects in underserved and unserved areas.

"In today's world, you cannot be part of the modern economy, education system, or healthcare system without access to broadband," said Lt. Governor Husted. "Since the start of this administration, Governor DeWine and I have prioritized bringing high-speed internet access to every Ohioan and building a best-in-class broadband network throughout the state. It's an honor to receive the Champion of Broadband Award - but there is more work to be done -- and I look forward to continuing our efforts to bridge the digital divide, which will secure a brighter future for our state." Lt. Governor Husted also recognizes the need for a well-trained broadband workforce. Under his leadership, the Strengthening Ohio's Broadband & 5G Workforcestrategy was launched. This effort calls for career awareness starting in middle school and creates educational and training opportunities throughout the state for Ohioans to go through at low- or no-cost."

"OCTA members truly appreciate the focus Lt. Governor Husted has dedicated to broadband expansion," said Gary Underwood, Charter Communications (Spectrum) group vice president of government affairs and OCTA board chairman. "He understands that working with private sector providers to expand Ohio's broadband infrastructure is a necessity for job creation and economic opportunity throughout the state."

OCTA - Ohio's Broadband and Cable Association has 13 System Member companies and 24 Associate Member companies. The broadband cable industry has a total annual economic impact of $13.8 billion in Ohio and provides 83,216 indirect jobs to Ohioans. For more information on the association, go to www.octa.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Julie Feasel, Inspire PR Group, 614-778-1017, [email protected]