Do Private Cellular Networks Have the Potential to Unlock the Future of K-12 Education?

Question: The pandemic is (we hope) over – why do K-12 schools still need to think about private cellular networks? Answer: The COVID-19 years merely exposed the need for greater wireless connectivity in education to a broader audience. It showed that reliable and high-speed wireless broadband has become a necessity for K-12 schools. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into classrooms and digital learning platforms rise in popularity, the demand for seamless connectivity has never been more critical. Moreover, the recent shift towards remote learning has emphasized the importance of a robust network infrastructure capable of supporting diverse educational activities.

“As we put a plan in place for distance learning during the pandemic, we found we could only provide coverage for approximately 50% of DPOL students via commercial wireless network providers. We are taking the next steps to level the field and ensure every student has the same access to our learning facilities,” said Paoze Lee, Technology Systems Director of the Dos Palos Oro Loma school district.

The numbers show that private cellular networks are growing and can be expected to continue to grow.

• Per the May 2023 “Private Mobile Networks” report from the GSA, Education (both K-12 and Higher Ed) trails only Manufacturing in the total number of private networks deployed globally and the number deployed in 1Q23.
• Cradlepoint in 2021 estimated that “most companies who opt to utilize a PCN vs. Wi-Fi as LAN will achieve a positive return on investment within 2-3 years, especially when using CBRS spectrum. Given this quick ROI, school districts are expected to increasingly find the budget for private networks.
• In an analysis to determine what connectivity methods would best allow anchor sites, such as schools, to provide wireless broadband services to students and families off-campus, the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition, in conjunction with the Open Technology Institute, in 2022, wrote: “An Economic Analysis of Options to Extend Affordable Broadband to Students and Households via Anchor Institutions.” They determined that CBRS-based private LTE networks (or WISPs) were the most economical ways to provide high-speed access. Other methods compared included private LTE + Wi-Fi, contracting with a third-party integrator to deploy and operate the Wi-Fi network, and purchasing public LTE from a commercial service provider. Given this analysis, school districts and smart cities are likely to strongly consider private cellular networks when looking to increase their rate of community broadband.
• “Approaching the next frontier: K-12 education technology in the wake of COVID-19” by EY-Parthenon, states that “As time passes and more technology is adopted, teachers are increasingly comfortable with, and more frequently use, digital tools in their classrooms and for planning processes.” As this trend grows, it is easy to foresee that the number of users and data traffic will increase, leading IT personnel to recognize the need for secure, high-capacity private networks.

What’s Wrong with Fiber and Wi-Fi?

Nothing’s wrong with Fiber and Wi-Fi. They’re both outstanding technologies with their places in K-12 schools, but each has limitations. They should be viewed as complementary connectivity methods to PCNs.

Fiber infrastructure comes with a significant cost, which often poses a challenge for school districts due to budget constraints. As a result, not all schools can afford to lay fiber to every building and classroom, especially if the school is situated in a rural area. The expense involved in extending fiber connectivity is influenced by various factors, such as the school’s geographical location, the composition and layout of the buildings, and the overall distance the fiber needs to cover. In rural areas, the lack of existing fiber infrastructure and the need for extensive trenching or long-distance cabling can further escalate the costs. In many cases, fiber is deployed to a central building and used as backhaul, while other wireless methods communicate with users and devices. While Wi-Fi is convenient, providing high-speed internet access in K-12 schools may not always be sufficient due to various limitations. The limited range of Wi-Fi signals can result in areas with weak or no coverage within the school premises, hindering connectivity. Moreover, the large number of concurrent users, including students, teachers, and staff, can lead to bandwidth congestion and slower speeds, especially during peak hours. Outdated Wi-Fi infrastructure that supports older standards might not offer the same high-speed capabilities as the latest Wi-Fi 6 or 6E standards. Large campuses can see a significant reduction in the access points needed for a private cellular network, indoors and outside, compared to a Wi-Fi network.

Neither fiber nor Wi-Fi addresses the need for connectivity from students’ homes, increasing demand for remote learning and homework that needs to be done online.

“The problem was connectivity. We are 72% economically disadvantaged, so a lot of our students didn’t have [home] internet,” said McAllen Independent School District [TX}] Superintendent J.A. Gonzalez

Key Benefits of Implementing Private Cellular Networks in K-12 Educational Institutions

Implementing PCNs in K-12 education brings numerous advantages, with unparalleled connectivity and coverage being among the most significant. Unlike traditional Wi-Fi networks, PCNs leverage cellular technology, enabling schools to extend their network reach far beyond the limitations of typical Wi-Fi signals. Students, teachers, and staff can seamlessly stay connected to the network, whether on school premises, on the move, or in nearby remote areas. This enhanced connectivity ensures a consistent and reliable internet experience, providing uninterrupted access to digital resources, online learning platforms, and educational content.

Scalability and flexibility are fundamental traits of PCNs, making them ideally suited to meet the ever-evolving needs of K-12 education. As student populations grow and educational technologies advance, PCNs can readily adapt and scale to support a large number of connected devices without compromising performance. This inherent scalability ensures that the network remains future-proof, capable of accommodating advancements in technology and the ever-growing data requirements of modern education.

Maintaining a secure and private online environment is paramount in educational settings. PCNs excel in this aspect by offering enhanced security features, adding an extra layer of protection against cyber threats and unauthorized access. By implementing cellular authentication methods, schools can safeguard sensitive data and protect the personal information of students and staff. This heightened security shields against potential breaches and ensures compliance with data privacy regulations, fostering trust and confidence within the education community.

The rapid evolution of technology has revolutionized the delivery and experience of education. PCNs are uniquely positioned to support emerging technologies that demand high-speed and low-latency connections. From virtual and augmented reality applications to real-time collaborative tools, PCNs seamlessly integrate cutting-edge educational platforms and tools. By embracing these innovative technologies, schools can empower students with engaging learning experiences, better preparing them for the challenges of the digital age.

In recent years, the shift towards remote learning has highlighted the imperative of providing reliable and accessible internet connectivity to all students, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic background. PCNs play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide by providing connectivity to underserved and remote areas where traditional internet infrastructure may be limited. This inclusivity ensures students have equal opportunities to participate in online learning, access educational resources, and remain connected with their teachers and peers. Through empowering remote learning, PCNs contribute to a more equitable educational system where all students can thrive and succeed, regardless of their circumstances.

“Modern learning occurs both in and beyond the school building digital curriculum. The shift to one-to-one laptops along with private LTE hotspots better support all students having pathways to modern learning and work.”  Courtney Curtis, Principle of Rutherford B. Gatson Sr Middle School

Building Strong Foundations With PCNs

Implementing a PCN requires a strategic approach, starting with a thorough network assessment. This entails evaluating the school’s current network infrastructure, identifying any connectivity gaps, and understanding the specific requirements and challenges of the educational environment. Engaging with IT experts or network consultants can provide valuable insights into the school’s needs and future growth projections. Armed with a complete understanding of the network landscape, administrators can make well-informed decisions and tailor the PCN deployment to align with their unique educational goals.

Equally crucial is the selection of the right technology and vendor. Schools should explore various PCN solutions available in the market, considering factors such as coverage, capacity, and compatibility with existing devices and educational technologies. Researching reputable vendors with experience in deploying PCNs in educational settings is essential. Opting for vendors that offer reliable support, maintenance services, and a comprehensive understanding of K-12 education’s specific needs ensures a smooth and successful implementation.

Building solid partnerships with network operators and carriers is integral to the success of the PCN implementation. Collaboration with these entities streamlines the deployment process and provides access to a robust and well-established cellular infrastructure. Discussions with network operators can offer valuable insights for optimizing the PCN’s coverage and capacity. Additionally, such partnerships may present cost-effective options for acquiring the necessary hardware and tailored connectivity packages to meet the school’s requirements effectively.

Once the PCN is operational, continuous monitoring and effective network performance management become imperative. Utilizing network monitoring tools and performance analytics allows administrators to identify and address potential issues before they escalate proactively. Real-time monitoring ensures adequate bandwidth allocation during peak usage periods and identifies areas where coverage may need improvement. Regular network performance assessments enable data-driven decisions for ongoing enhancements and optimizations, providing students and staff with an efficient and reliable network experience throughout their educational journey.

How PCNs Transform Learning in K-12 Schools

There are a variety of popular use cases for K-12 schools.

• Seamless connectivity for digital learning initiatives allows access to online learning platforms, utilization of educational apps, and participation in virtual classrooms,
• Video-based educational content and remote learning enable teachers to conduct virtual lectures and interactive sessions, incorporating multimedia elements that enrich the learning experience.
• Schools are introducing contactless purchasing for various services within the campus. This technology allows students and staff to make payments for cafeteria meals, school supplies, or extracurricular activities without handling physical cash.
• BYOD initiatives allow students to bring their personal devices to school, fostering a collaborative and tech-savvy learning environment. PCNs accommodate the increased device density, ensuring that all students can connect their smartphones, tablets, or laptops to the network effortlessly.
• PCNs offer a lifeline for enabling remote learning and ensuring continuity of education in times of unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters or health crises. With a private cellular network, schools can quickly adapt to blended learning models, where students can seamlessly switch between in-person and online learning.
• Real-time communication and collaboration among students, teachers, and administrators are enabled with PCNs. From video conferencing for virtual parent-teacher meetings to instant messaging platforms, PCNs foster a connected school community.

Would a Private Cellular Network Help Your School?

To determine whether a private cellular network would align with your district or school’s objectives and operational needs, several key questions should be considered, such as:

• What are the objectives and goals of deploying a private cellular network in the school?
• What are the coverage requirements within the school premises and surrounding areas?
• What is the projected number of users and devices that will connect to the network?
• What spectrum bands will be used for the network?
• What security measures will be implemented to protect the network from potential threats and cyberattacks?
• How will the network integrate with existing communication systems in the school, e.g., Wi-Fi?
• What is the anticipated data speed and quality of service that can be provided?
• How will the private cellular network be managed and maintained on an ongoing basis?
• What are the backup and disaster recovery plans in case of network outages?
• What is the scalability of the network to accommodate future growth and technological advancements?
• How will the network deployment impact the school’s IT infrastructure and resources?
• How will the school handle user privacy and data protection concerns related to cellular network usage?

By asking these questions and thoroughly considering the implications of deploying a private cellular network, the school can make an informed decision that aligns with its communication needs and enhances the overall educational experience for students and staff.

Conclusion

One thing about the future of K-12 education is abundantly clear: reliable connectivity is the cornerstone of a transformative learning experience for students. In the dynamic and rapidly evolving educational landscape, private cellular networks stand out as a powerful and feasible solution to bridge the connectivity gap, unlocking new possibilities. With their unmatched benefits, ranging from enhanced connectivity and extensive coverage to heightened security and support for emerging educational technologies, PCNs empower educators and students to embrace the full potential of digital learning and collaborative experiences.

For schools, embracing PCNs is not just an option but a strategic investment in their educational infrastructure. This forward-thinking approach ensures that school networks remain future-proof, seamlessly adapting to the ever-changing educational landscape and effectively meeting the growing demands of technological advancements.

As we look ahead, schools must recognize the transformative potential of PCNs and take the bold step toward shaping a future where reliable connectivity becomes the bedrock of a genuinely revolutionary K-12 education.

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