DigitalC

At DigitalC, we are driven to connect. In "Driven to Connect: The Connections Series," we ask: Who are we connecting, and why do these connections matter? What does connection mean to you? We explore how DigitalC connects Clevelanders beyond technology—to opportunity, community, and each other. In this first episode, we feature Miryne Thomas, whose journey began at Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority's King Kennedy apartments in the Central neighborhood. Growing up, Miryne found connection through community hubs like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio, mentors at Cleveland Central Catholic High School, and sports such as boxing and basketball. Now holding two degrees and playing in his second year in the pros- this year in Germany - Miryne reflects on how his achievements highlight the power of perseverance and the importance of connection. As he puts it, “We need connection. Without it, we’re all just floating on our own little islands, but if we come together, that’s when we get continents.” Join us as amplify how connection creates exponential outcomes—starting with an introduction to Miryne.

We are thrilled to announce that Canopy, Powered by DigitalC, is one of only three service plans to earn a 'Best' rating in the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)'s Grading Internet for Good (GIG) system. Our 100/100 Mbps service at $18 is not just a plan—it shows how a competitive, community-based network is disrupting the industry by setting new standards in speed, technology, transparency, and value. Check out the Honor Roll of Low-Cost Internet Plans here: https://bit.ly/3MfIqFO

A suspicious flier offering free home internet service is circulating in our region, and our digital equity advocates sounded the alarm. 🚨 WKYC Studios's Danielle Wiggins spoke with Ladonna Norris of DigitalC and Gina Birch of Ashbury Senior Community Computer Center, both experts in digital skills training, to shed light on this scam and discuss how consumers can protect themselves from fraud. With the sunset of the Affordable Connectivity Program, our Click digital skills trainers are more vigilant than ever, and we are grateful to our media partners for helping ensure that our community stays informed and protected.

We're hiring for several openings! Join DigitalC as a Field Technician Associate and help connect Clevelanders to superior home internet. If you're passionate about making a difference and love hands-on work, apply today. Be part of a network is built by Cleveland, for Cleveland. #NowHiring #FieldInstallers Apply here: https://lnkd.in/ensVWQaQ

This Black Business Month, CHVD JUSTIN, DigitalC and a number of amazing sponsors are celebrating with a Community Pop-Up Shop featuring 15+ local vendors and music by DJ Jefe. This event is highlighting innovation and supporting Black-owned businesses to strengthen connections and nurture the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Cleveland. -> Saturday, August 17, 4 - 8 p.m., MidTown Tech Hive. 6815 Euclid Ave.

Securing historic investments in digital equity to disrupt the telecommunications industry requires bold leadership and innovative thinking. At DigitalC, we are fortunate to have leaders who consistently challenge us to question the status quo and think beyond boundaries. In this video for Authority Magazine DigitalC's Chief Executive Officer Joshua Edmonds shares his insights on thought leadership and the lessons he has gained throughout his dynamic career. He states, "Thought leadership is not about doing it alone. It’s about harnessing the collective energy and support of others to drive impactful change." Watch the video for more insights and read the full article "5 Things You Should Do To Become a Thought Leader In Your Industry": https://bit.ly/3YPxnKO

This week, over 350,000 homes in Northeast Ohio are without power due to tornadoes passing through the area. In response, we have waived our day pass fees at the MidTown Tech Hive, turning our headquarters into a charging station for residents. This is one of those moments when we feel the "community" in our community-based network. We have witnessed neighbors helping neighbors, staying cool together, finding power resources for medical devices, and cleaning up their properties. This sentiment rings true during normal times, too. From seeing our van in the neighborhood to meeting subscribers at birthdays and cookouts, to connecting our friends and family to home internet, and witnessing digital skills training in action while visiting our local community center, these moments energize us and reinforce our deep ties to our city. At DigitalC, we are more than just an internet service provider—we connect people, and our connections are only growing stronger. Our doors are open at the MidTown Tech Hive until power is widely restored, ready to support our community.💙 Image: Screenshot of the outage map from FirstEnergyCorp.com.

Today, our summer intern, Delana Ray, completes her internship as she prepares to return to Kent State University for her 3rd year as a communications major. Through the Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship program, Delana had the opportunity to move several initiatives forward and strengthen our brand identity, especially in relation to the Hyperlink Event Series at the MidTown Tech Hive. Her teamwork and positivity were key as she supported various projects, including managing data in our CRM system, HubSpot. Best wishes to her!

Broadband Communities has recently released the next 25 companies recognized on the 2024 FTTH Top 100 list, and we are honored to be included! This notable list highlights organizations with innovative business plans transforming local economies, improving quality of life, or introducing game-changing technologies. This recognition underscores our dedication to crossing digital redlines and connecting all of Cleveland using inspired solutions. Check out the full list and join us in celebrating the innovators, including our partner Tarana Wireless, Inc., who are shaping the future of connectivity. View the list here: https://bit.ly/4fEkMjC

Thank you to Masha Abarinova at Fierce Network for interviewing our COO, Jose Valdez, for this report, which highlights how the city's dense tree canopy is not stopping the deployment of a citywide hybrid network. 🍃 We are not just building a network; we are creating a community-based movement with next-generation fixed wireless access (ngFWA) technology. As a business-savvy nonprofit, DigitalC is providing high-quality connectivity with symmetrical 100 Mbps for just $18/month, all while planning for growth. 🚀 A “critical challenge” was designing a radio frequency (RF) layout of vertical assets that “offered citywide coverage while maintaining cost-efficiency for both initial deployment and future growth,” Valdez noted. With the support of infrastructure partners like Tarana Wireless, Inc. and BlueBridge Networks, we are ensuring our network is not only resilient but also focused on reaching every resident. Read here: https://bit.ly/4fCIjkY