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Why Upgrade?

As of 2020, 99% of public schools are meeting the FCC connectivity goals set for 2014, up from 37% in 2013.This dramatic improvement in connectivity has leveled the playing field for students regardless of their affluence level or geographic locale and is catalyzing the adoption of digital learning across the country.

Increasing adoption of 1:1 learning models and other educational software has made technology essential to the 21st century classroom. There is still work to do to ensure every school and student in the country has sufficient bandwidth and Wi-Fi in every classroom.

Image of a girl in a classroom focusing on what is on her computer screen
Arkansas students using robotics in a classroom

Why now?

In 2014 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) modernized the E-rate program to allow it to continue to serve the evolving needs of schools and libraries. The changes to the E-rate program created an unprecedented short term opportunity for school districts to upgrade their network infrastructure to support their network needs for today and into the future.

Among the changes, the FCC increased the total amount of funding available to upgrade school networks. Recognizing the importance of fiber, the E-rate program updated the eligibility rules to maximize the fiber options available to schools, so they could obtain the most cost-effective and scalable solutions for the future. Additionally, the program now guarantees that every school in the country has access to funding to support their internal network infrastructure needs to enable learning in every classroom.

Digital Inequality is Educational Inequality

High-speed broadband and robust Wi-Fi can unlock the power of technology, personalize learning for students, empower teachers, connect parents, and ensure equal educational opportunity for all. Getting started on the path to upgrading all of your schools is a critical first step.