A model for cities nationwide, this documentary showcases Cleveland's efforts to bridge the digital divide through technology, community, and storytelling.
CLEVELAND, March 3, 2025 -- Driven to Connect, a new documentary produced by DigitalC with support from Microsoft Airband, chronicles the first year of a four-year plan to connect thousands of Cleveland residents to high-speed home internet and digital skills training—an effort that positions the city on a path from worst to first in connectivity.
This approach to building community through connectivity is centered on residents.
This initiative aims to connect 23,500 households to 100/100 Mbps internet for $18/month and provide digital skills training to 50,000 residents by the end of 2027. As one of the least connected cities in the nation, Cleveland is leveraging historic investments and public-private-philanthropic partnerships to expand access, demonstrating a scalable model for other cities working to close the digital divide.
"DigitalC sets an example of how broadband solutions, combined with community storytelling, can drive lasting impact and serve as a model for other cities tackling this issue," said Shunda Leecost, Microsoft Airband Initiative Partnership Manager at Microsoft. "We have been a proud partner of DigitalC since 2021, supporting its growth from primarily offering digital skills training to now delivering high-speed home internet."
The documentary, produced by Perspective Filmworks LLC, highlights the impact of broadband access on Cleveland residents—from enabling telehealth and education to creating new economic opportunities.
"This approach to building community through connectivity is centered on residents. When they feel joy at a connection, rally behind their community-based internet service provider, and pray for our network to succeed—that is purpose fulfilled," said Joshua Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer at DigitalC. "That is why we are making history in delivering on our promise to connect Cleveland and documenting the journey for others."
The Driven to Connect documentary premiered on February 27 at CMSD Arnold Pinkney East Professional Center, in collaboration with Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). The event brought together local elected officials, internet subscribers, vendors, board members, and community leaders, sparking conversations about Cleveland's digital future.
"The documentary illustrates what's possible when multiple sectors align with nonprofits to solve a real problem. Cleveland is proving that when you combine a people-first mindset with a commitment to cutting-edge technology solutions, you can change the future path for our scholars," said Curtis Timmons, Chief Information Officer at CMSD and Board Member at DigitalC.
As part of the event, DigitalC and CMSD set up Digital Gradebook Activation Stations, encouraging parents to activate accounts to track student progress. During the Q&A session, attendees engaged in discussions on DigitalC's plans, network expansion, and ways to support the initiative.
"Storytelling gives power to the people—amplifying their struggles, their victories, their voices. In Cleveland, we're proving what's possible and telling the story of how it's done," said Wesley Wood, Driven to Connect Film Director and Founder at Perspective Filmworks LLC.
The event was made possible through support from sponsors, including CTI Connect, Tarana Wireless, Inc., WAV, LLC., Crown Castle, and Winncom Technologies.
Watch the full documentary on YouTube: https://bit.ly/driventoconnectdoc
About DigitalC
DigitalC's mission is to deploy a premier, state-of-the-art network that is affordable, reliable, and sustainable to bridge the digital divide – for good. Committed to changing the world one connection at a time, DigitalC offers superior internet, accessible community spaces, and tailored digital skills training to ensure an equitable digital future. By focusing on these core areas, DigitalC aims to create a transformative impact on the community, ensuring that everyone can thrive in the digital age. Learn more at: www.digitalc.org.
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