At a senior center on the East Side, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke introduced a federal plan to spend more than seven billion dollars across the united states, supplying high speed internet service to people currently lacking the option.
He said implementation would create jobs, while building a 21st Century information infrastructure.
The spending is to come through federal grants, but it's uncertain how much of the assistance might come to Ohio.
But Secretary Locke is encouraging local governments, schools, non-profits and businesses to apply.
GARY LOCKE: "We're really looking for those models that are sustainable, that will create a foundation for further economic growth as well as quality of life using high speed internet. We want to promote grant proposals that will take care of both the underserved, as well and the unserved."
According to one recent survey, only about one in four rural Americans currently use broadband and inner city residents also often have limited access.
