Reliable home internet connectivity is more essential than ever for K-12 student success, yet many households still lack adequate broadband access. This ‘homework gap’ is especially detrimental for elementary school children who need online access to participate in education fully. Without the ability to get online from home, younger students can fall behind academically and struggle to complete assignments requiring technology or internet research. Elementary schools at the heart of communities are ideal centers to extend high-speed wireless coverage to the surrounding neighborhoods. By leveraging innovative technologies like private LTE and 5G networks, schools can provide much-needed broadband access to students’ homes to bridge connectivity gaps.
In their effort to provide neighborhood students with high-speed broadband at home, Alef has teamed with Frontera Consulting to handle deployment of their platform for families living near the Brooks-Quinn-Jones Elementary School in the Nacogdoches (TX) Independent School District with Alef’s CBRS-based Private Mobile Networks Platform. Alef is providing their Private Mobile Networks Platform while Frontera brings its expertise as a connectivity provider and consultancy firm specializing in community data connectivity engineering, and deployment solutions.
By broadcasting a wireless signal from school grounds, coverage can reach into the community to create connectivity zones for families. Students receive modems and equipment, while parents can subscribe to no-cost or low-cost access.
Dr. Gabriel Trujillo, the Superintendent of NISD, underscored the importance of this endeavor, stating, “Too many families in too many communities are falling behind because they lack access to affordable broadband connectivity.” He recognizes that this partnership represents an opportunity to explore an alternative method that can positively impact students in the community.
Concentrating on elementary schools as a focal point of connectivity ensures that the most vulnerable and impressionable students receive the support they need and strengthens the core of our communities. These schools serve as anchors, helping to uplift entire neighborhoods and bridge the digital divide that has persisted for far too long.
“We’re excited to work with Frontera to explore innovative solutions that can extend the benefits of private wireless to communities in need. By joining forces to provide students and their families with high-speed internet access in their homes, we aim to bridge the digital divide holding back the next generation. It’s inspiring to see companies across industries collaborating for social impact. We believe purpose-driven technology like private 4G and 5G networks can empower underserved neighborhoods with new opportunities for growth and advancement,” said Mike Mulica, Alef’s Chief Executive Officer.
Alef provides enterprises with a unique SaaS platform that empowers them to independently build, manage, and customize their private cellular networks. Alef simplifies private mobile infrastructure through fast deployment, enterprise-focused security, and seamless integration. By abstracting away complexity, Alef enables businesses and schools to control private networks tailored to their needs while avoiding the lengthy processes and complexity of working directly with mobile operators.
Initiatives like the partnership between Alef and Frontera highlight the immense potential of leveraging elementary schools as hubs for extending wireless connectivity into nearby neighborhoods. Schools can empower families by providing students with reliable home broadband, close achievement gaps, and uplift their wider communities. While broadband access should be considered an essential utility for all, creative solutions are now needed to address the homework gap devastating students nationwide. Elementary schools, located at the heart of communities, are ideal launching points for targeted broadband extensions through technologies like private LTE & 5G networks. With collaboration between education leaders, connectivity providers, and local governments, impactful programs can begin bridging digital chasms to unlock student opportunities. The time is now to rethink how schools can serve both enrolled pupils and entire families through equitable internet access.
For more, visit https://www.alefedge.com/
