CLEVELAND — Since taking office early last year, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb has made closing the digital divide one of his top priorities.
On Friday, Bibb announced that he is issuing two proposals to accomplish just that, both of which will be presented at the next Cleveland City Council meeting on Monday, May 8.
The legislation submitted by Bibb includes a $20 million proposal from local nonprofit DigitalC to provide citywide affordable internet access. According to a release, the $20 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) investment would go toward "infrastructure buildout, implementation, and service management – expanding the speeds and reach of their current low-cost network throughout the City" and allow all Cleveland residents, regardless of neighborhood or income level, to subscribe to internet access for $18 per month.
The other legislation Bibb is proposing comes in the form of an agreement with SiFi Networks who will privately invest over $400 million to deploy a citywide fiber optic network without any public financing.
“Internet access should be a right for all Cleveland residents and not a privilege for only those who can afford it,” Mayor Bibb said in a statement. “In this day and age everything can be done online – from essentials like accessing medical information and managing finances, to taking educational classes or career development courses. These two initiatives will break down the digital barriers and ensure everyone in Cleveland, regardless of income, has access to this fundamental right.
“SiFi’s investment in Cleveland has the potential to transform our economy for generations,” he added. “We’re raising both our floor with DigitalC – by ensuring every single resident has access to high-quality, affordable internet – and our ceiling with SiFi – by ensuring universal access to the infrastructure of the 21st century. Together, these future-forward investments will improve the daily lives of our residents today while putting Cleveland in the best position to attract new businesses and residents in the future."