The momentum continues as The Cleveland ERA takes hold—a period of civic investment, economic resurgence, and bold ideas about what cities can accomplish.
At DigitalC, we are proud to play a role in that story. From surpassing 8,000 Cleveland homes connected to national conversations about digital equity, our work continues to demonstrate the power of the Cleveland Model: community-based broadband infrastructure designed to expand opportunity.
Here is a look at what has happened this month.
DigitalC Chief Executive Officer Joshua Edmonds named a Crain’s Cleveland Business Newsmaker of the Year
On March 5, Crain’s Cleveland Business recognized DigitalC Chief Executive Officer Joshua Edmonds as a 2025 Newsmaker of the Year; with this honor, he joins a group of distinguished leaders shaping the future of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
The recognition reflects more than a single achievement; it represents the momentum behind a model built in Cleveland and designed to scale: a community-based broadband network connecting thousands of households and enabling opportunity in workforce development, education, healthcare, and more.
In 2025, DigitalC made news for the results of its work across Cleveland—momentum that has helped establish the organization as America’s fastest-growing community-based broadband network.
Today, DigitalC has connected more than 8,000 households, bringing 20,000+ residents online, while its Click digital skills program has trained more than 18,000 residents through over 20,000 digital skills sessions.
This recognition belongs to the entire ecosystem of stakeholders, including residents, board members, and staff, alongside public, private, and philanthropic partners who are committed to bridging the digital divide for good.
Cleveland’s annual 216 Day celebration brought a milestone worth noting. On February 16, DigitalC connected our 8,216th household, officially surpassing 8,000 Cleveland homes connected to high-speed home internet.
To mark the milestone, every household installed that day received a 216 Day appreciation gift bag, and one subscriber was surprised with a fully paid year of service at the $216 annual rate, reflecting DigitalC’s $18 per month price. The celebration was made possible with support from partners who helped bring the moment to life.
Special thanks to:
Winncom Technologies – appreciation bag sponsor
Elite CutOver Connections and Elite Utility Construction – year-of-service sponsor
Moments like this are a reminder that our work is built on trust. We are grateful for the residents who welcome us into their homes and share their experience with neighborsbecause word of mouth remains our most powerful referral, and we do not take that lightly.
During Black History Month, Joshua Edmonds joined students and faculty at Cornell University to lead a colloquium on the past, present and future of digital equity and broadband policy.
The session explored how cities can design durable solutions for connectivity by aligning policy, capital, community institutions, and infrastructure.
Students participated in a simulation exercise designing broadband strategies for a fictional city facing real-world challenges such as market pressure, funding challenges, and political considerations.
The conversation reinforced a key lesson: expanding digital access requires more than technology deployment. It calls for intentional design, durable institutions, and the same civil rights commitment that earlier generations brought to expanding opportunity in housing, education, and voting.
Celebrating a partnership for digital opportunity: Famicos Foundation
Also during Black History Month, members of the DigitalC team joined community leaders at the Famicos Foundation Community Champion Brunch, a gathering recognizing organizations working together to expand opportunity across Cleveland neighborhoods.
Head of Customer Growth John Sharpe shared how our partnership with Famicos continues to connect residents to Canopy, high-speed home internet, and Click digital skills training, ensuring families have the connectivity and digital skills needed to participate fully in today’s economy.
As Congressman John Lewis said, “Access to the internet is the civil rights issue of the 21st century.” We are grateful for partners like Famicos Foundation who share our commitment to expanding digital opportunity across Cleveland communities.
DigitalC’s MidTown Tech Hive continues to be a supportive place for entrepreneurs, startups, and organizations building their businesses and community.
Located in the heart of MidTown, the Tech Hive offers an environment for those looking for a place to work, connect, and grow their ideas alongside others working to strengthen Cleveland’s innovation ecosystem.
A limited number of dedicated desks are now available for individuals and organizations seeking workspace! Contact Richard Rivera, Director of MidTown Tech Hive, for a tour and additional information: rrivera@digitalc.org or call (216) 923-2240.
