The case is currently pending before the Ohio Supreme Court. Some of the targeting provisions in recent educational telecommunications legislation may have been motivated by the legislature's desire to show the courts that it will provide for the poorest school districts. These storefront centers will provide access to computer and network facilities and offer training in the use of the technology. The Ohio Community Computer Center Network was created to administer these funds. Cleveland was the site of the first freenet.
Citizens register to obtain an email address and to access freenet resources.
The freenets, usually established through a consortium of companies and city governments, are maintained by volunteer staffs. Freenets are currently operating in Akron, Athena, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Lorain County, and Youngstown. Eligible activities for ARC assistance include community-based and statewide initiatives that promote telecommunications development through planning and technical assistance, education and training, and coordination and advocacy. Because of ARC's limited resources, expensive equipment and hardware investments are discouraged. Ohio's program is administered by the governor's Office of Appalachia.