Nokia working with non-profit DigitalC to connect the unconnected in Ohio

Nokia DAC comprises network core, radio access and indoor and outdoor customer premises equipment (CPE) and offers plug-and-play private wireless where it is too difficult or costly to establish traditional connectivity. The solution will be used in Cleveland to provide wireless internet access to homes over the Citizens Broadband Radio Services (CBRS) 3.5 GHz band.

Nokia has joined forces with DigitalC, a non-profit providing residents with affordable and high-speed Internet, to connect the unconnected population and improve digital inclusion in Cleveland, Ohio.

According to a 2019 survey of the U.S. Census’ American Community Survey (ACS), 31% of Cleveland's total households didn’t have a broadband subscription plan, making it the most underserved city in the US with 100,000 or more households. The 2020 lockdowns further exacerbated the divide.

The partnership is now working to provide the much-needed high-speed internet connectivity which is vital in the delivery of education, health and economic opportunities to residents.

"While 2020 may have highlighted the digital divide in Cleveland the lack of connectivity is a long-standing issue, so we are pleased to work with Nokia to bridge this gap and provide greater education, health and economic opportunities to more people in and around the city," said Dorothy Baunauch, CEO, DigitalC.

In a press release, Nokia said it will deploy its Digital Automation Cloud (DAC), a high-performance, end-to-end private wireless networking and edge computing platform, which will enable DigitalC to leverage private LTE technology to provide high-speed, affordable, reliable broadband to residents.

Nokia DAC comprises network core, radio access and indoor and outdoor customer premises equipment (CPE) and offers plug-and-play private wireless where it is too difficult or costly to establish traditional connectivity. The solution will be used in Cleveland to provide wireless internet access to homes over the Citizens Broadband Radio Services (CBRS) 3.5 GHz band.

Commenting on this development, Ed Cholerton, President of Nokia North America, said, "Leveraging our leading private wireless capabilities, we created the end-to-end Nokia DAC as a complete solution for anyone wanting to provide secure, reliable, high-speed 4G and 5G connectivity where it is most needed. As such we are excited to be a part of this important project, working alongside DigitalC to connect the unconnected and thus improve inclusion in Cleveland."