East Cleveland News

Cuyahoga County, in collaboration with Ohio and PCs for People, is investing $20 million to expand high-speed, low-cost internet, bridging the digital divide for underserved areas, such as Outhwaite Homes, and targeting 25,000 households countywide by 2024.

“The digital divide reflects many other disparities traditionally faced by minority and low-income residents and we’ve got to work locally and nationally to expand digital access. I was proud to vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to create the Affordable Connectivity Program and help close the digital divide in Cuyahoga County and across the country,” said Congresswoman Brown according to a press release from the Cuyahoga Office of the Executive.

"Thanks to the dedicated work of our coalition of public and nonprofit partners, we are making extraordinary progress in connecting all of our residents with high-quality, affordable internet services. Ensuring connectivity for every Cuyahoga County resident helps us to combat inequity in other areas including education, healthcare, and economic empowerment," said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne in the press release.

The Ohio Department of Development's commitment to collaboration is underscored by Director of Development, Lydia Mihalik. She highlighted their partnership with PCs for People in providing affordable high-speed internet to Cuyahoga County households. This effort is crucial step in narrowing Ohio's digital divide according to a press release.

Connected Nation has found that 34.3% of households in Cleveland lack home internet subscriptions. This situation places local families at a significant disadvantage. Connected Nation worked alongside AT&T examining barriers preventing broadband adoption in Cleveland. The survey revealed less than half of low-income respondents were familiar with Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), designed for reducing monthly broadband service costs.

AT&T along with RET3 Job Corps Inc., Cleveland Public Library and others are expanding AT&T Connected Learning initiative in Cleveland according to Crain's Cleveland Business. This initiative addresses the digital divide by providing free laptops, fostering digital skills and increasing awareness about broadband benefits. AT&T aims to address this challenge head-on, understanding the significant impact it has on Cleveland families and the wider community.