This is a community indicator measure. It is provided to show an understanding of the overall community health. The County government does not directly control the outcome of this measure; however, programs and initiatives the County is undertaking can have an impact.

The COVID-19 crisis highlighted how important in-home internet access is in today’s society. As schools, libraries, government buildings and other businesses closed to the public, those with internet in the home still had access to education materials, job applications, and telehealth services. 

In 2021, Cuyahoga County pursued multiple projects to address the digital divide:

1. In April, Cuyahoga County announced a partnership with PCs for People, East Cleveland, the State of Ohio, Microsoft, Eaton Corp, and many others to provide 1,000 internet connections in East Cleveland at $15/month.
2. In September, Cuyahoga County received responses to a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide affordable, sustainable, high-speed internet in census tracts where more than 20% of the population are unconnected. The submission review and scoring process is underway, with contract award expected in Q1-22.
3. In September, Cuyahoga County approved a contract with DigitalC to provide affordable internet access coverage to 70% of Cleveland's Central Neighborhood, one of the least connected neighborhoods.  This program will also include in-home equipment for up to 500 households.
4. In November, Cuyahoga County completed an internet speed test and survey in collaboration with Measurement Lab, Marconi Society, and X-Lab at Penn State University. The data compiled from this pilot program will provide local leaders and community members with increased information on internet access in Cuyahoga County and identify gaps in connectivity to better target investment in underserved communities.

Cuyahoga County continues to be a leading member on the Digital Equity Coalition, a comprehensive effort to keep public, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners engaged with the overall strategy to address digital inequities. This has included advocating for changes to Federal American Rescue Plan Act rules to allow for more flexible use to address the Digital Divide. The Digital Equity Coalition also advocated against government broadband restrictions at the State level. This resulted in a successful removal of harmful language from the State budget bill.