Last month, roughly 23 million households across the country lost access to internet discounts after funding for a federal program ran out. Regardless of whether you participated in the Affordable Connectivity Program, Cleveland residents still have options for affordable internet access through DigitalC’s Canopy Program for $18 per month. 

DigitalC describes its internet as having ultra-fast upload and download speeds, free installation and “absolutely no hidden fees.” 

The catch? Canopy isn’t available in all Cleveland neighborhoods – yet. 

Last year, Cleveland City Council set aside $20 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars for DigitalC. Council members – particularly City Hall and Utilities Committee Chair Brian Kazy – have kept close watch on the project after the nonprofit struggled to deliver on earlier promises.

The citywide buildout of Canopy is expected to last until June 2025, according to DigitalC spokesperson Valerie Jerome. The buildout is scheduled in three six-month phases, with the majority of the first phase including Cleveland’s East Side.

Currently, the network provides at least some coverage to Wards 4 through 10. The most-covered wards – meaning more than 50% of households have access to Canopy – are Wards 5, 7 and 9.

Right now, we are focused on our mission of bridging the digital divide in Cleveland.

Valerie Jerome, DigitalC spokesperson

Since Canopy launched in January, DigitalC said it connected 305 new customers and can cover roughly 17,000 additional households in Cleveland. The number is expected to grow as DigitalC continues to set up towers, said Jerome. 

DigitalC has roughly 2,000 internet subscribers who will be upgraded to Canopy’s new higher speed internet during the buildout, she said. 

How to sign-up for $18 internet

Call DigitalC at 216-777-3859 or check availability online by entering your address. If service is available, the next step is to schedule a free installation appointment and begin service. 

What if Canopy isn’t available in my neighborhood?

Get on DigitalC’s waitlist and someone will contact you when service becomes available, according to Jerome. There are currently about 500 households on the waitlist, she said.

Lifeline is another federally funded program that provides a $9.25 monthly discount on telephone or internet services to households that meet strict eligibility requirements. In January, Cuyahoga County had more than 160,000 total internet subscribers who received discounts through the now-expired program or Lifeline.

Is Canopy only available in Cleveland?

Yes, but DigitalC is open to expansion should opportunities become available, according to Jerome.

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This story emerged from the work of Cleveland Documenters covering meetings of the Cleveland City Council Utilities Committee.

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I am dedicated to untangling bureaucracy so Clevelanders can have the information (and the power) they want. I spent 10 years on the frontlines of direct service working with youth and system-impacted communities before receiving my degree in media advocacy at Northeastern University.