July 12, 2023 – Broadband affordable nonprofit EducationSuperHighway released data, tools Wednesday to help states leverage federal broadband funds to launch free Wi-Fi programs in apartments. , released a new report with resources. 25% of America’s digital divide centers on affordable apartments.
Modeled on how most hotels offer Wi-Fi today, the Free Apartments Wi-Fi program will provide reliable, high-speed internet to the 6.5 million unconnected and unconnected home broadband users It is a cost-effective way to do so, the group says.
By allocating a portion of broadband equity, access, and deployment funds, the group said states could close 23 percent of the broadband affordability gap, adding that the program would help reduce underserved and affordable prices. It added that 450,000 households living in affordable apartments could be connected. It added that an additional 75,378 buildings will be eligible for free Wi-Fi installations using BEAD funding.
EducationSuperHighway found this to be a cost-effective solution, one that could add $2,000 a year to resource-scarce households. It could also generate an annual economic impact of $7.8 billion, the report said.
The group said Congress recognized the importance of free Wi-Fi in apartments by including it as an eligible use of the Broadband Infrastructure Fund.
“By explicitly including the deployment of free apartment Wi-Fi as an eligible use of the Broadband Infrastructure Fund, Congress recognized the potential of a free apartment Wi-Fi program to bridge the digital divide,” it said. Evan Marwellthe CEO of EducationSuperHighway said in a statement.
“To seize this unprecedented opportunity, each state committed BEAD and DEA funds to deploy these programs and ensured that all eligible buildings were included in BEAD’s initial proposal. , the FCC broadband map should be validated according to NTIA guidance.”
FCC pours $14 million from emergency connectivity fund
The Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday announced $13.9 million from its Emergency Connectivity Fund program to help students stay connected outside of school.
The commission said the funds will benefit about 35,000 students across the country. Students in states such as California, New York, Illinois, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia will also receive support.
Approximately 52 schools and school districts and 5 libraries and library systems will receive support from this fund. Available to facilitate off-campus learning, including evening homework and summer online study programs.
“Connecting students to digital resources, both in and out of class, remains critical to academic success. Libraries and schools provide year-round internet access for students. We are pleased to announce a new round of funding to help libraries and schools provide students with the digital tools they need to do so,” said the FCC chairman. Jessica Rosenworcell in a press release.
DZS Appoints Gunter Reiss as CCO for AEMEA Region
Texas-based global telecommunications equipment company DZS said Wednesday, Gunther Reese As Chief Customer Officer for the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa regions.
“I am thrilled to assume the role of Chief Customer Officer and lead the next chapter of the company’s growth and market expansion, with a relentless focus on customer advocacy in AEMEA,” Reese said in a press release. “As we move out of a challenging and dynamic supply chain environment, we will continue to focus on providing our customers with the best technology and support experience.”
Since joining DZS in February 2022, Reiss has been part of the executive leadership team involved in technology and market dynamics and the DZS customer community.
As DZS’ Chief Marketing Officer, Reiss led the company’s brand and go-to-market efforts in the broadband access and metro optical transport markets, building strategic service provider relationships and global technology partnerships.
Prior to joining DZS, Reese was a member of A10’s executive management team and was previously part of Ericsson’s executive team, leading global strategy and business development for IP, broadband access and wireless technologies.
