In today’s digital age, access to high-speed internet is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.

Yet, Ohio lags behind much of the U.S. in broadband availability.

According to a study last year by BroadbandNow, which collects and analyzes internet service provider plans to help consumers find and compare options, Ohio is ranked 30th among states for internet coverage, speed and availability.

For more advanced services, the picture worsens.

The study shows that only 34.2% of Buckeye State residents have access to 1G broadband — that ranks 47th among states.

Digging down further, a broadband feasibility study commissioned by Eastgate Regional Council of Governments in 2021 shows Youngstown ranked No. 2 as the worst-connected midsized and large city for at-home access in Ohio, only behind East Cleveland. On that same list, Warren ranked No. 5 and Niles, No. 32.

The consequences of a lack of high-speed broadband are far-reaching — hindering business expansion, limiting educational opportunities and impacting regional efforts to attract and retain talent, as well as improve the housing stock. Residents in rural and economically disadvantaged areas feel the effect even more; the lack of high-speed internet is more than an inconvenience — it’s a barrier to opportunity.

The statistics and impact are sobering, but Ohio is making significant strides to address the challenge of limited high-speed access.

That’s terrific news.

Over the past few years, the state has invested hundreds of millions of dollars to provide affordable, high-speed internet access to more than 100,000 Ohio households — including many in the Mahoning Valley — that don’t have access to reliable internet connectivity through the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant program.

By prioritizing this sort of infrastructure buildout, the state is supporting workforce development and economic growth, educational achievement and community health.

Yet more is necessary. Greater access to affordable telecommunications and broadband is needed. One way to accomplish this is for communities to facilitate competition among providers, ensuring a healthy, competitive marketplace. Nondiscriminatory and low barriers to entry will be key to the effort to connect to every home.

The economic benefits of broadband expansion cannot be overstated. By eliminating unnecessary barriers and ensuring fair access to public infrastructure, we can modernize our digital landscape, spur economic growth and provide residents with the connectivity they deserve.

Guy Coviello is president & CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber