Harnessing the Power of Community-Based Networks in a New Political Era

In a time when political and corporate powers shape access to information, the struggle for equality extends into the digital realm. Yesterday, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we reflected on Dr. King's fight for civil rights—a fight that resonates today as we champion a modern civil right: universal internet access. In fact, civil rights icon John Lewis famously stated that "access to the Internet... is the civil rights issue of the 21st century," underscoring the digital divide as a critical concern in modern society.

We revisit this sentiment at a time when recent events, such as the TikTok ban and restrictive broadband legislation, reveal how governments and corporations manipulate access to digital services, controlling the information flow and leaving many behind.

While headlines recently spotlighted tech billionaires alongside political power at a high-profile inauguration, DigitalC is taking a different path in Cleveland. Our community-based nonprofit is disrupting decades of disinvestment and corporate control to deliver fast, reliable, and affordable internet to every resident. Access to information should never be weaponized, and DigitalC stands in stark contrast to those forces—providing a resilient alternative that is not subject to corporate whims.

For too long, decades of disinvestment have left parts of Cleveland with no connectivity, slow speeds, low upload capacity, and a significant skills gap. The unpredictable decisions by internet giants to pull out of markets—driven by regulatory pressures and profit motives—highlight the danger of allowing profit-motivated entities to control essential services. Such moves leave residents at the mercy of companies that can withdraw services whenever they choose. This situation underscores the value of community-based networks like DigitalC.

As the Affordable Connectivity Program ended, DigitalC stepped in with the best technology from Silicon Valley to tackle the worst connectivity conditions in the Cuyahoga Valley. By deploying our next-generation Fixed Wireless Access (ngFWA) network across the city, we are offering Clevelanders a superior alternative to legacy providers. With service at just $18/month, residents gain fast download and upload speeds, equipping them with the skills necessary to consume AND create content without limitations. According to the Federal Communications Commission, the ACP enrolled more than 23 million subscribers across rural, suburban, and urban America—one in six U.S. households—highlighting the widespread need for affordable connectivity solutions like ours.

Connectivity goes hand in hand with capability. Our digital skilling programs equip residents with the skills to fully harness high-speed internet—opening doors to education, healthcare, employment, and civic engagement. By combining affordable service with comprehensive training, DigitalC builds community power, levels the playing field, and ensures that access to information and opportunity is democratized for every Cleveland resident.

Cleveland has a proud history of resilience and progress. Just as Dr. King led the charge for civil rights, DigitalC is spearheading a digital rights movement—ensuring that access to the internet and the opportunities it brings are available to all.

Expanding the discussion around community-led connectivity demonstrates that DigitalC’s model delivers tangible value. By providing a necessary market correction through stable, community-controlled infrastructure, we challenge the oligopoly of legacy providers. This approach not only elevates Cleveland’s status as a national leader in connectivity but also proves that when local, state, and philanthropic leaders align with community-based organizations, we can rewrite our digital future—ensuring opportunity and resilience in the face of manipulation and corporate withdrawal.