Millions of children are home and we want to ensure those kids can keep learning with wireless tools and great educational resources. The wireless industry is expanding existing industry-leading efforts to connected unserved and underserved communities.

This includes the new Connecting Kids Initiative, a resource for schools and school districts to help keep kids learning in these unprecedented times. Schools districts are encouraged to submit their connectivity needs, and we will help connect them to wireless operators in their communities.

AT&T announced that qualified schools activating new lines on qualified data-only plans for school-issued tablets, 4G LTE-enabled laptops and hotspot devices will get unlimited wireless data service at no cost for 60 days. It also committed $1.2M small businesses focused on distance learning solutions.
Verizon has tripled its monthly data allowance for Verizon Innovative Learning Tier 1 middle schools and has committed $10 million to nonprofits directed at supporting students and first responders. Verizon will also provide Internet connectivity for all students in the Los Angeles Unified School District who don’t have it at home.
The 1Million Project Foundation provides connections for high school students who lack critical home broadband. Data allotments will double to 20GB through June, onboarding another 100,000 new devices for unserved students has been accelerated.
Intel pledged more than $50 million in a pandemic response technology initiative to combat the disease through accelerating access to technology at the point of patient care, speeding scientific research and ensuring access to online learning for students.
Ericsson partnered with the Vermont Telephone Company and Rutland City Public Schools to equip students in rural Vermont with access to free high-speed Internet and Google Chromebooks.
T-Mobile is increasing the data allowance to 20GB/month for free to schools and students using their EmpowerED digital learning programs.
AT&T is also underwriting an online resource for eLearning Days from the State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA). AT&T also announced a new $10 million Distance Learning and Family Connections fund, including contributions to Kahn Academy and funding 60 free days of the Caribu app.
Since April 1, Smith Bagley, Inc. has delivered more than 1,300 access points to 10 schools (either MiFi or smartphones as needed), with 6,600 potential more devices in the pipeline. It also introduced an unlimited data plan at a significantly reduced cost for schools.

Read more about how the wireless industry is committed to connecting America’s students.

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