Appalachia Digital Accelerator
Trumbull County
Trumbull County is dedicated to ensuring that all residents have access to reliable, high-speed internet and the tools needed to thrive in today’s economy. This connectivity plan, developed through the Appalachia Digital Accelerator, aims to bridge digital gaps by expanding broadband infrastructure, improving affordability, and fostering digital literacy. This plan prepares the county for federal funding opportunities, laying the foundation for enhanced education, healthcare, and economic development.
Broadband is not a luxury; it’s the modern equivalent to electricity, essential for education, healthcare, and economic opportunity today
The Trumbull County Connectivity Plan provides a roadmap to improve broadband connectivity and adoption. By addressing infrastructure gaps, affordability challenges, and digital literacy needs, the plan positions the county to leverage federal funding programs like BEAD and DEA. Its recommendations include expanding fiber through partnerships with ISPs , establishing public Wi-Fi hubs, and fostering partnerships for device distribution and digital skills training. These efforts aim to empower the community with better access to telehealth, education, and economic opportunities, fostering a more connected and equitable future.
At 6.4%, Trumbull County’s unemployment rate trends higher than the State of Ohio average
13% of households in Trumbull County have no internet-connected device
Almost 1 in 4 households in the county spend 30% or more of their income on housing, underlining affordability challenges.
What’s Next
Trumbull County Commissioners have dedicated $1.5m in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding toward the expansion of broadband infrastructure in the norther portion of the county. The county is now working to identify a third party provider to enter a public-private partnership to lead this expansion. This project, carried out in partnership with Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, will be Phase 1 of the overall initiative to provide state-of-the-art broadband connectivity to all unserved and underserved locations within the county.
A project in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), which contributed $6.3 million (80% of the total project cost).
