Cincinnati Bell's Initiative Addresses Digital Divide Through Expanded Internet Access Across Housing Communities

The Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority and Cincinnati Bell have launched a strategic partnership designed to expand connectivity across urban housing communities. The collaboration represents a meaningful step in tackling infrastructure gaps that affect underserved populations.

Bridging Connectivity Gaps in Six Communities

Over 1,200 residents across Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority properties now have access to high-speed internet through Cincinnati Bell’s UniCity Smart City program. The rollout targets multiple communities, with three sites—Marianna Terrace, Ralph Street, and Setty Kuhn—already receiving service. Three additional locations, Beacon Glen, Horizon Hills, and Millvale, are scheduled to come online by the end of 2021.

This phased approach reflects the scale of infrastructure challenges in housing-focused communities. The digital divide continues to limit access to critical resources including education, healthcare information, and employment opportunities. By providing free connectivity, the partnership directly addresses these barriers.

Expanding a Growing Regional Trend

Cincinnati Bell’s UniCity program has moved beyond this single initiative. Similar partnerships have been announced with the Dayton Housing Authority and the Housing Authority of Covington, alongside engagements with Greater Dayton Premier Management. These collaborations signal a regional approach to connectivity expansion across Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

Beyond housing partnerships, Cincinnati Bell has worked with municipalities to deploy free public WiFi infrastructure, demonstrating a broader commitment to Smart City development in its service territories.

Strategic Focus on Digital Equity

Gregory D. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer of Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, emphasized the importance of the partnership within the organization’s Connect Home Initiative framework. The collaboration aligns with the agency’s mission to reduce barriers between residents and essential services.

“Digital equity ultimately comes down to providing universal access and opportunity through connectivity,” according to Cincinnati Bell leadership. The company views these initiatives as core to its market strategy, particularly in communities where traditional internet access remains limited.

Institutional Context and Commitment

Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority, established in 1933, operates programs spanning asset management, housing choice vouchers, and affordable rental housing across Hamilton County. The agency serves as a regional provider of quality, affordable housing solutions.

Cincinnati Bell Inc. operates as an integrated communications provider delivering internet, video, voice, and data services across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Hawaii. Its enterprise divisions, CBTS and OnX, extend service reach across North America for business customers seeking office communications and IT solutions.

The partnership reflects a recognition that infrastructure investments in underserved communities generate measurable benefits across education, employment, and healthcare access metrics.