Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Partners to Work on Digital Inclusion

(TNS) — Cuyahoga County, Ohio, is seeking more partnerships and projects to help close the digital divide, planning for a long-term solution to lack of internet access in the county.

The county issued a “request for information,” according to a press release, which is due by Jan. 15. The goal is to find developed projects or vendors who might be able to offer new products, discounted service options and free or innovative solutions to Wi-Fi or technology issues, according to the release.

This is just so the county can assess different approaches it might take to address the problem, not necessarily enter a partnership or hire these vendors. The request explains that officials may look at proposals and decide to offer a more detailed request, “cancel, or delay plans for this initiative, or choose another direction that is deemed in the community’s best interest.”

The coronavirus pandemic highlighted the already-established digital divide in Cuyahoga County in the spring, when many services moved online. The problem was addressed through a patchwork of solutions, including a push from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to connect students with devices and internet access. The school district conducted the fall semester remotely.

“While a lack of internet connectivity can be seen in all areas of the County, the County recognizes there are specific cities and neighborhoods where a lack of an internet connection is concentrated,” the request reads. “The goal of this RFI is to identify solutions for all County residents, therefore proposed solutions must address underserved areas and avoid ‘cherry picking,’or building only to the most affluent areas of the County. If possible, the network should also address problems with service and cost in areas that are currently served.”

The district and various community partners worked with DigitalC, a nonprofit which aims to provide low-cost internet to Cleveland’s low-access neighborhoods. Most recently, the Cleveland Clinic and DigitalC and two local businesses announced they will work to provide internet in the Fairfax neighborhood.

As the pandemic progresses, the need for quality broadband access will continue, as districts use remote learning to stem the spread of the virus and health care organizations lean into telehealth. The internet also is often used to connect residents with government services and unemployment benefits.

Cleveland is the worst-connected city with more than 100,000 households in the United States, according to a recent analysis of census data from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. About 30.73% of Cleveland households had no broadband access, and 45.96% had no wired connection, according to the 2019 American Community Survey.

“Sadly, Cuyahoga County is one of the worst connected communities in the U.S., with 19 percent of households not having any type of internet service,” said County Executive  Armond Budish  in the release. “While we’ve been working to lessen the digital divide through partnerships with the Cleveland Foundation and PCs for People—we provided broadband access to over 3,000 homes through this initiative—this RFI allows us to work toward a more long-term solution that can reach more people and provide easier access for those who need it.”

Solutions must be able to roll out in one to two years, and address certain upload and download speeds. Plans must include the basic minimum for broadband service, but also should include a plan to increase speeds up to 100 megabits per second download speed and 10 megabits per second upload speed.

Those submitting proposals must include a business model, financial plan and an anticipated project schedule, along with other details. Vendors applying to work with the county who already offer services in the area must define where those services are currently offered. The request notes that while some providers claim to offer service in certain areas, some individuals or businesses can’t gain access.

“Low-income residents are particularly vulnerable, and broadband is important to help level the playing field,” it reads. “As the world becomes increasingly connected, broadband access is key to education, job training, and even access to one’s own medical records. We expect vendors to be sensitive to this reality, and to be willing to work with the County to develop creative solutions for supporting all members of the community.”

No price point is defined in the request for information, or in the release announcing it.

(c)2020 The Plain Dealer, Cleveland. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.