Access to high-speed internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity that can help bridge the digital divide. To provide affordable internet to those who need it most, Cuyahoga County has partnered with the State of Ohio and the non-profit PCs for People to launch a new initiative. The second phase of this program aims to bring reliable and low-cost internet services to underserved communities in the area.
The program, which received a combined $20 million investment from Cuyahoga County and the State of Ohio, targets Cleveland, Brooklyn, East Cleveland, and Parma. Residents in these areas can now sign up for internet service provided by PCs for People for just $15 a month. Moreover, households that qualify for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can have the cost of service fully covered through ACP’s $ 30-a-month subsidy. The initiative has already succeeded, with PCs for People holding a signup event and scheduling internet installations for Outhwaite Homes Community residents, one of the largest and oldest Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority complexes. This program is a step in the right direction towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring that every resident has access to high-quality, affordable internet services.
