In a time when technology needs to be seamlessly woven into the fabric of education, reliable high-speed connectivity within K-12 schools and their surrounding neighborhoods is essential. Within the nation’s K-12 population, a staggering 5.4 million students lack broadband access or a computer at home. This is the ‘digital divide,’ the disparity between those who have the means to connect to technology and the internet and those who lack such access. This divide significantly impacts economically disadvantaged and rural communities, where households might lack access to high-speed internet. In many cases, students in K-12 settings are compelled to depend on public libraries, cafes, and similar public spaces to access the internet, an inconvenient solution for students and their families.
In their effort to provide students with the necessities of contemporary education, the Nacogdoches (TX) Independent School District has deployed Alef’s CBRS-based Private Mobile Networks Platform at their Brooks-Quinn-Jones Elementary School for campus use as well as for students and their families living nearby.
“Too many families in too many communities are falling behind because they lack access to affordable broadband connectivity,” said NISD Superintendent Dr. Gabriel Trujillo. “This is an opportunity to try an alternative method that will positively impact our students.”
Nacogdoches ISD has slightly over 6,500 students spread over six public elementary schools, one middle school, and three high schools. The Nacogdoches ISD chose to use Alef’s Private Mobile Networks Platform as its first PMN at the Brooks-Quinn-Jones Elementary School and for students and families who live near the school. The PMN Platform will create a private CBRS network using the 3.5 GHz spectrum to provide coverage and capacity with high security, sitting behind existing firewalls and allowing administrators to use their existing Identity and Access Management (IAM) system, simplifying usage for school IT departments.
“No longer is wireless the exclusive domain of major enterprises or wireless operators. Alef has made prime mobile networks affordable, compact, and much easier to deploy and operate. We are excited to collaborate with Nacogdoches ISD in deploying our platform in support of their efforts to address the needs of families living around Brooks-Quinn-Jones Elementary and across the district in the near future,” said Mike Mulica, Alef’s Chief Executive Officer. As classrooms have evolved from chalkboards and overhead projectors to digital learning environments, private mobile networks are becoming the backbone of modern learning on school grounds and at home. Private mobile networks (PMN) answer many school challenges, often revolutionizing how education is delivered and consumed. With their own PMN, schools can provide dedicated resources for educational applications and safeguard student data. PMNs offer coverage across often sprawling campuses, enabling seamless communication and collaboration between teachers, students, and administrators. With reliable broadband, multimedia-rich learning can be provided, and virtual classrooms become a smoother experience.
By providing reliable high-speed connectivity and a secure digital environment, the Nacogdoches ISD is not only fostering collaboration and communication but also nurturing multimedia-rich learning experiences that empower both educators and learners. Nacogdoches, a small town with big dreams, is propelling education into a future where technology is a tool for empowerment, not a barrier to access.
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