Cuyahoga County is one of the worst connected communities in the U.S., with 19 percent of households in the County without any type of internet service, including mobile data plans. About 32 percent of households in the County do not have a broadband connection at home, and 69 percent of these households have annual incomes below $35,000.

To help put an end to this problem, the County is looking for long-term solutions to bridge the digital divide in target communities based on the amount of coverage in specific census tracts.

Cuyahoga County Office of Innovation & Performance released a request for proposal (RFP) to solicit solutions and partnerships to expand affordable, high-speed broadband services to those lacking internet access.

Respond to the RFP

The RFP will be open until September 6 at 11 a.m. A pre-proposal conference will be held on July 27 at 1:30 p.m. for vendors to learn more about the project, ask questions, and connect with potential partners.

Ready-to-deploy ideas or projects can range from new products and pricing, new service options with discounted rates, free Wi-Fi solutions that residents can reach from their homes, or other innovative approaches employing established or emerging technologies.

“Providing equal and affordable access to broadband is essential to promoting equal opportunity in business, education, employment, healthcare, and all other aspects of day-to-day life,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “While we have been working to bridge the digital divide for nearly two years now by quickly getting computers into the hands of residents, this RFP helps ensure a more sustainable solution so that we can efficiently get those in need of access connected.”

Respond to the RFP by visiting the Cuyahoga County website.