To support tourism and economic development, OARnet has collaborated with public and private partners to enhance connectivity at more than 100 lodges and campgrounds across Ohio.
As part of the Ohio One Network partnership between OARnet and the Department of Administrative Services, OARnet worked with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and network service providers Spectrum, Frontier and Lumen to extend the state fiber-optic network and increase internet speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps at several tourism sites. The project benefited facilities across Ohio, ranging from the Maumee Bay Lodge and Conference Center in northern Ohio to the Burr Oak Lodge and Conference Center in southern Ohio.
The expanded connectivity was designed to support cashless transactions, expand service offerings and enhance customer experiences at the state lodges and campgrounds to increase overnight stays, conferences and business meetings and special events such as weddings and parties.
“Years ago, people wanted to get away from it all, but nowadays they need to stay connected, and without adequate internet service people will look for other places to vacation or plan a business event,” said Dave Ginn, OARnet chief relationship officer.
In addition to boosting connectivity at existing sites, the project also supported the development of the new Hocking Hills State Park Lodge. The facility, which opened in fall 2022, includes 81 guest rooms, a pool and event space for up to 200 people.
Visitors to Ohio’s lodges, parks and campgrounds during the April 2024 solar eclipse also enjoyed a boost in internet connectivity thanks to a partnership between OARnet, ODNR and BroadbandOhio.
As Ohio was in the path of totality for the eclipse, the state entities temporarily increased bandwidth to maximum capacity to accommodate the anticipated large influx of visitors seeking optimal views of the solar event. ODNR hosted a variety of programs in its 28 locations in the path of totality, including a citizen science research project that encouraged visitors to observe and report on wildlife responses to the eclipse through a website and app.
“This connectivity project has positioned rural areas for tremendous tourism and economic development opportunities with the increase in visitors to these areas,” Ginn said.
Since 1987, OARnet has delivered technology-based solutions that reduce costs, increase productivity and improve customer service. As a division of the Ohio Department of Higher Education's Ohio Technology Consortium, OARnet serves Ohio's education, health care, public broadcasting and government communities. Other members of the consortium include the Ohio Supercomputer Center and OhioLINK.
