Action & Updates
A bi-partisan piece of legislation crafted by State Senator Steve Buehrer (R-Delta) and State Representative Allan Sayre (D-Dover), in cooperation with the Ohio Telecom Association and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, the Ohio Telecom Modernization Act of 2009 would make much-needed changes to Ohio's telecommunications regulatory structure by removing outdated language and streamlining rules that currently work to discourage competition. Such regulatory changes would make it easier for new companies to invest in Ohio's economy.
Why is industry competition necessary?
An innovative technology or product knows no size. Think of Google or YouTube or Facebook. A decade ago, these companies didn’t even exist. Today they are all worth hundreds of millions dollars. With a strong technology infrastructure and a product consumers want, any company has the potential to become the next “Big Thing.”
The current laws governing Ohio’s telecommunications industry are antiquated – they even contain 30 references to the telegraph! It is imperative that our state laws recognize that the industry has changed and grown, and continues to do so at a rapid pace. There are now many communication technologies from which consumers can choose - landline service, cellular service, cable or Internet phone. SB 162 and HB 276 reflect this competition in the marketplace and will help Ohio keep pace in the modern telecommunications field.
How will this legislation help consumers?
Unlike some other industries, the technology industry is constantly changing. It is a thriving, complex, and competitive industry. Similarly, the rules governing the industry need to change so Ohio consumers can benefit from the new technology innovations. This proposed legislation includes affordable rate safeguards as well as protections for low-income consumers. As the rules governing the telecommunications industry in Ohio are revised to keep pace with industry advancements, telecommunications companies will be more likely to bring their products to the state. And more competition means more choices for Ohio consumers.
How will this legislation help Ohio's economy?
According to the Ohio Telecom Association, the telecommunications industry in our state is a $15 billion a year industry that employs nearly 16,000 people. Ohio must continue to foster legislation that promotes growth and development in this sector to ensure that our state is in a strong position to compete with other states for new development and job opportunities. Neighboring states like Indiana, Michigan and Tennessee have already incorporated new telecommunications regulations that make their states conducive for new technology investments – Ohio must do the same to remain competitive.
One hundred years ago, Ohio was on the cutting edge of the Industrial Revolution. Today, we need to be on the cutting edge of the technology revolution. Modernizing the rules can help to make that happen.
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Ohio Tech Bits Blog
Tech Bits Weekly Round-up (July 10-16) – July 16, 2010, 10:18AM
Tech Bits Weekly Round-up (July 3-9) – July 9, 2010, 9:48AM
News 
Bill to ban texting while driving sent for changes
Toledo Blade, October 6, 2009
Big Tech Ten Survey
Technology for Ohio's Tomorrow needs your help! We are launching a new initiative: The Big Tech Ten. Our goal? Identifying ten new, bold technology ideas and innovations for Ohio's future.
Through this initiative, we hope to foster a conversation with you and other Ohioans about where technology policy stands in Ohio and where it can go.