Cleveland’s Digital Revolution: Affordable High-Speed Internet for All

Adnan Zai
2 min readJan 12, 2024
High-Speed Internet for All in Clevelan

A Major Leap in Connectivity

Cleveland’s bold stride towards ensuring city-wide access to low-cost, high-speed internet is a watershed moment for Northeast Ohio. This historic move, heralded by Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Mayor Justin M. Bibb, and other key figures, tackles a crucial need head-on. Recognizing Cleveland as the worst-connected large city in 2019 was a wake-up call. Now, we’re not just answering the call; we’re setting a standard for digital inclusion.

Pandemic Lessons and DigitalC’s Mission

The pandemic exposed the digital divide in stark reality. Stories of students relying on fast-food parking lots for internet access were more than just troubling — they were a call to action. DigitalC’s mission to connect the unconnected across Cleveland’s 34 neighborhoods is not just commendable; it’s a game-changer. With a $10 million investment and an ambitious 18-month timeline, we’re witnessing a transformative moment in Cleveland’s digital history.

Affordability and Accessibility: A New Era

At $18 a month, locked in for a decade, we’re not just talking about internet access; we’re talking about equitable access. This price point, especially in today’s economy, is a testament to the project’s…

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Adnan Zai

As an Advisor-In-Residence, Adnan particularly focuses on strategy, deal pipeline, and structuring.