A new documentary titled ‘Driven to Connect’ highlights Cleveland’s approach to tackling its digital divide, offering a potential blueprint for other cities nationwide.
CLEVELAND, March 3, 2025 – The documentary, produced by DigitalC with support from Microsoft Airband, chronicles the first year of a four-year plan aimed at giving thousands of Cleveland residents access to high-speed home internet and providing digital skills training. This effort positions the city to become a leader in connectivity.
This initiative focuses on community needs, with a goal to connect 23,500 households to 100/100 Mbps internet for just $18 per month and provide digital skills training to 50,000 residents by the end of 2027. Because Cleveland has historically been one of the nation’s least connected cities, the city is leveraging substantial public and private investment to increase access, serving as a potential model for other cities working to close the digital divide.
“DigitalC demonstrates how broadband solutions, combined with community storytelling, can drive lasting impact,” said Shunda Leecost, the Microsoft Airband Initiative Partnership Manager for Microsoft. “We are proud to be partnered with DigitalC since 2021, supporting their growth from digital training to the provision of high-speed home internet.”
The documentary, created by Perspective Filmworks LLC, highlights the positive effects broadband access has on Cleveland residents, including enabling telehealth and education, and providing new economic opportunities.
“This approach to building community through connectivity is centered on residents,” added Joshua Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer at DigitalC. “When people feel joy in the connection, rally behind their community-based internet service provider, and pray for the network to thrive—that is purpose fulfilled. That’s why we are making history in delivering on our promise to connect Cleveland – and documenting the journey for others.”
The premiere of ‘Driven to Connect’ took place on February 27 at the CMSD Arnold Pinkney East Professional Center, in collaboration with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). The event brought together local elected officials, internet subscribers, vendors, board members, and community leaders, initiating discussions on Cleveland’s digital future.
“The documentary illustrates what’s possible when 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, the Chief Information Officer at CMSD and a Board Member at DigitalC.
As a part of the premiere event, DigitalC and CMSD set up Digital Gradebook Activation Stations, encouraging parents to activate accounts to track their children’s progress. During the Q&A session, attendees discussed 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,” stated Wesley Wood, Driven to Connect Film Director and Founder at Perspective Filmworks LLC.
The event was made possible due to 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 is striving to deploy a premier, state-of-the-art network that is affordable, dependable, and sustainable to bridge the digital divide. By focusing on these core areas, DigitalC aims to create a transformative impact on the community, ensuring that everyone thrives in the digital age.
Learn more at: www.digitalc.org.
