Cleveland's Digital Sea connects 2800 families in groundbreaking internet initiative

The Utilities Committee of the Cleveland City Council convened on January 9, 2025, to discuss significant advancements in digital connectivity within the city, spearheaded by the nonprofit organization Digital Sea. The meeting highlighted the organization's impressive performance metrics and its ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide in Cleveland.

During the session, representatives from Digital Sea presented compelling statistics that underscored their rapid growth and impact. They reported connecting over 2,800 families in their first year, with a staggering 865% increase in connections within a single month. By December 2023, the organization had trained more than 7,600 residents and expanded coverage to over 82,000 homes. This performance was attributed to a performance-based contract with the city, which the organization credited for motivating their success.

The speaker emphasized the importance of addressing the digital divide, particularly for residents who have historically lacked internet access, including those reintegrating into society after incarceration. They stressed that consistent investment is crucial for ongoing efforts to eradicate this divide, noting that while their initial results are promising, there remains a long way to go to meet their goal of connecting 23,500 residents over four years.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the collaborative relationship between Digital Sea and the City Council, highlighting a shared commitment to improving digital access for all Cleveland residents. The organization expressed gratitude for the council's support and acknowledged the need for continued improvement and accountability in their services.