Ohio Budget Might Address Grant Eligibility, Social Media Age Verification

Wireless and internet industry groups sounded alarms in Ohio as senators weigh what to include in the state budget. One HB-33 amendment under consideration (Page 143) by the Senate would remove wireless broadband from definitions of tier one and tier two broadband services for the purposes of getting grants. The Wireless ISP Association “is disappointed to see the Senate considering taking a step backward on its broadband expansion grant program by removing wireless broadband providers from grant eligibility,” WISPA State Advocacy Manager Steven Schwerbel told us Friday. “This amendment would mean that the state will not be able to fully consider all factors that influence broadband needs in Ohio. Federal programs like [NTIA’s broadband equity, access and deployment program] are already putting their thumbs on the scale when it comes to funding broadband expansion. Cutting wireless out of the state grant program means that BroadbandOhio will lose the flexibility to fill in the gaps where those federal dollars can’t or won’t flow, and make sure that every Ohioan has access to reliable, high-speed broadband.” Meanwhile, the Computer and Communications Industry Association sent a letter to senators protesting a section in HB-33 that would require social websites to verify users’ ages and require parental approval. “While we share the concerns of the Ohio State Senate regarding the safety of young people online, we encourage Senators to resist advancing Sec. 1349.09 of HB 33 which is not adequately tailored to this objective,” wrote CCIA State Policy Manager Jordan Rodell.