SAN FRANCISCO, CA – November 4, 2024 – EducationSuperHighway has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for internet and managed service providers on behalf of Compudopt, which intends to establish a $1.5 million to $3 million annual “Connectivity Fund” set to begin in the second half of 2025. This fund will subsidize the cost of high-speed internet for public and affordable housing residents by offering service at $10 per month per household for up to 24 months.
The RFI aims to solicit innovative and sustainable internet solutions to deliver reliable, high-quality service within budget. Responding providers are invited to propose technical designs, operational strategies, and partnership models that ensure equitable, high-speed internet access for residents and address challenges typical in multi-dwelling unit (MDU) communities, such as signal interference and infrastructure upgrades. Key objectives include:
- Equitable Access: Provide affordable internet access to low-income households, empowering residents to access essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
- Sustainable Solutions: Ensure service affordability continues beyond the initial 24-month subsidy period.
- Reliable Service: Propose services that meet or exceed 100 Mbps download/20 Mbps upload speeds.
- Innovative Technology: Incorporate cutting-edge technologies to maximize performance while maintaining costs.
- Long-term Partnerships: Build enduring relationships between service providers, affordable housing communities, and nonprofits.
This initiative allows internet service providers to significantly impact the closing of the digital divide. Selected responders may be invited to further discussions with Compudopt or to participate in a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
Submission Guidelines: Interested providers are invited to submit detailed responses addressing the technical and economic aspects of service delivery. Case studies, technical diagrams, and references to previous similar projects are strongly encouraged.
Complete submissions should be emailed to rfi@educationsuperhighway.org by Friday, December 20, 2024. Submissions will be reviewed by Friday, January 17, 2024.
Contact us with questions at rfi@educationsuperhighway.org
ENDS
ABOUT EDUCATIONSUPERHIGHWAY
EducationSuperHighway is a national non-profit with the mission to close the digital divide for the 17 million households that have access to the Internet but can’t afford to connect.
We partner with states and organizations to develop customized connectivity and funding solutions that expand high-speed internet access in affordable housing.
ABOUT COMPUDOPT
Compudopt’s programs serve to eliminate limited access to computers, facilitate growth in technical and digital literacy skills, help provide no or low cost high-speed internet options and support the future of youth and their communities.
