West Cleveland News

Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted, in conjunction with Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb, have announced a significant $53 million investment aimed at providing high-speed, affordable internet to all 170,000 households in Cleveland. This initiative addresses the city's digital disparity, as identified by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. It also includes digital literacy training, marking a substantial step towards bridging the urban digital divide.

Governor DeWine emphasized the necessity of internet connectivity in today's world. "In a world where the internet has become nearly as essential as electricity, we know how important it is that our citizens are connected," he said. “We are committed to closing the digital divide in Ohio – not just in rural parts of the state, but also right here in urban centers like Cleveland where affordability can be more of an obstacle than access”

According to a press release, BroadbandOhio has pledged $10 million towards this cause, supplemented by Cleveland's financial support of $20 million. Additional contributions have been made by philanthropic sources such as the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation and the David and Inez Myers Foundation for a total of $53 million earmarked for citywide broadband expansion. Lt. Governor Husted underscored the importance of this initiative to bridge the urban digital divide in Cleveland with the aim of enhancing lives through affordable high-speed internet access.

The press release also stated that DigitalC is set to initiate citywide broadband expansion this month with a goal to provide low-cost broadband access to all 170,000 Cleveland households by mid-next year. The network's monthly fee will be fixed at $18 for at least 10 years, allowing for inflation-based adjustments only after five years.

Mayor Bibb commented on the crucial role high-speed internet plays in contemporary life and expressed gratitude for the state's significant investment to make powerful yet affordable internet accessible to every resident of Cleveland. Director of Ohio Department of Development, Mihalik, highlighted the broader impact of investing in community infrastructure, stating that it is an investment in the aspirations of every Cleveland resident. She emphasized the key role of funding in promoting inclusivity, fostering growth, and making high-speed internet universally accessible.

The press release further revealed that since 2015, DigitalC has connected over 2,000 Cleveland households to broadband, benefiting 900 students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The DeWine-Husted Administration's BroadbandOhio initiative, established three years ago, has dedicated $245 million to connect 135,000 homes across northeast Ohio to affordable high-speed internet. Notably, nearly $10 million was recently allocated in grants to nonprofit PCs for People in July 2022, facilitating internet access expansion to about 25,000 Cuyahoga County households and providing reduced-cost internet at $15 per month and sometimes even free of charge.