Times-Reporter

A new broadband study has found that 38 percent of households in a 10-county area of east central Ohio — including Tuscarawas County — do not have access to FCC minimum internet speeds. While the need for reliable, affordable high-speed broadband for students, workers and businesses has existed for years, the COVID-19 pandemic made the situation worse as the shutdown shifted learning and work online. However, steps are being taken to address that need. For instance, Uhrichsville (OH)-based Smart Way Communications is working to expand the area it serves.