Appalachia Digital Accelerator
Ashtabula County
The county is committed to ensuring all residents have access to reliable, high-speed internet and the digital tools needed to thrive. Ashtabula’s connectivity plan focuses on expanding broadband infrastructure, improving affordability, and addressing other adoption barriers. By preparing Ashtabula for federal funding opportunities, the plan aims to foster a robust digital ecosystem, promoting economic growth and enhancing community well-being.
Ashtabula’s plan emphasizes expanding fiber infrastructure through public-private partnerships with internet service providers (ISPs) to bridge connectivity gaps and ensure reliable, high-speed internet access for every resident and business. This fiber-first approach is designed to foster competition and reduce service costs while expanding access to telehealth, education, and economic opportunities.
Ashtabula County’s 2024 Economic Status has been classified as ‘At-Risk’ by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
More than 12% of households in Ashtabula have no broadband of any kind.
78% of eligible households in Ashtabula participated in the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Nearly one in five Ashtabula County residents live below the poverty line.
What’s Next
The county is now focused on securing grant funding to support fiber buildouts in areas identified in the plan, while fostering strong partnerships with potential internet service providers to advance network development.
A project in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which contributed $6.3 million (80% of the total project cost).
