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DigitalC Hits a Historic Milestone with 5,000th Household Connection

CLEVELAND, June 17, 2025 — DigitalC celebrates a noteworthy accomplishment as it successfully connects its 5,000th household to high-speed internet in Cleveland. This milestone signifies a monumental change for a city that was once among the least connected in the nation, demonstrating the potential of community-focused broadband initiatives.

Joshua Edmonds, the CEO of DigitalC, expressed the importance of this accomplishment, stating, "It's hard to overstate how special this moment is — for our team, for our city and for the thousands of families now connected. This is what transformation looks like." The achievement comes as part of the Pinnacle Cleveland Initiative, a comprehensive four-year framework initiated in early 2024 aimed at enhancing internet access throughout the city, particularly in underprivileged neighborhoods.

The milestone was celebrated with a surprise ceremony for Diah F., the milestone recipient and resident of Fairfax in Cleveland's Ward 6. Edmonds presented Diah with tokens of appreciation, marking a significant moment for both the individual and the community.

Cleveland City Council President Blaine A. Griffin emphasized the essential nature of broadband connectivity. He stated, "Broadband is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity for work, learning, and health care." He echoed the need for reliable, affordable internet for everyone. Since the expansion began, DigitalC has deployed next-generation fixed wireless access technology across the city, improving access to fast internet where it was previously lacking.

In 2019, a survey revealed that Cleveland ranked poorly regarding internet connectivity, with over 31% of households lacking broadband and nearly 46% without any form of wired internet service. This initiative by DigitalC aims to address this digital divide effectively.

Ricardo Reinoso, the digital adoption manager for the City of Cleveland, stated, "DigitalC's 5,000th household isn't just a number — it’s a neighbor who now has the tools to learn, work, connect, and thrive in the 21st century." The collaborative effort comprises various stakeholders, including the City of Cleveland, the State of Ohio, and organizations like Microsoft Airband and the Gund Foundation.

DigitalC’s service, known as Canopy, provides a highly competitive offering, charging just $18 per month for a 100/100 Mbps symmetrical internet connection. Moreover, households with students enrolled in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District can access 200/100 Mbps service at no charge. Alongside this, the firm offers free digital skills training to residents, reaching over 10,000 Clevelandians in less than two years.

Edmonds remarked on the transformational nature of this project, saying, "This work is taking Cleveland from worst to first in connectivity, and we're just getting started." Those interested in the service can subscribe via DigitalC's website or by phone.

In conclusion, DigitalC is on a mission to create a top-tier internet network that is sustainable and affordable, working diligently to permanently bridge the digital divide. The progress from this initiative demonstrates the importance of investment in community-driven solutions to ensure equitable access to digital opportunities for all.

For more information or to sign up for Canopy, visit digitalc.org/canopy or call 216-777-3859.