Hundreds of rural K-12 school districts, charter schools and libraries across Arizona could receive new or expanded internet access thanks to a new initiative and federal funding.
The Arizona Corporation Commission unanimously approved changes March 14 to the Arizona Universal Service Fund rules to provide money for this program to connect Arizona’s rural schools to the internet.
“I am so pleased with the broad support for this program,” said Commissioner Andy Tobin. “I want to encourage those involved to take this initiative into special consideration in order to supplement the governor’s proposal so that all Arizona schools and libraries will have access to broadband internet.”
The ACC vote paves the way for a partnership between the Corporation Commission, the Governor’s Office, the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the non-profit EducationSuperHighway.
The group will draw down $100 million in federal e-rate funds to pay for infrastructure that will provide broadband to rural schools and libraries.
The Arizona Universal Service Fund will provide $8 million in state match funding. An additional $5 million is needed, and that amount is included in the governor’s budget proposal.
The Arizona fund money will be collected through a 15-cent monthly telephone service charge for one year.
Telecommunications companies, such as Cox Communications, will have to apply to install the broadband through request for proposals throughout the state.
Cox was actively involved with Tobin and the e-rate broadband special construction project matching fund program, said a Cox spokeswoman.
“Cox has long supported efforts to ensure students’ access to the Internet, including programs such as Connect to Compete and Cox Technology Centers established within community non-profit organizations,” said Susan Anable, Cox’s southwest vice president of public affairs. “We support this temporary repurpose of the Arizona Universal Service Fund and look forward to this fee on telephone customers going away altogether after this education initiative is completed.”
Superintendent of Public Instruction Diane Douglas applauded the funding of the Arizona Broadband for Education Initiative.
“Equal access to broadband services is critical to the success of a child’s education in the 21st century,” Douglas said. “This program is an incredible opportunity for underserved children from small schools in rural parts of Arizona to have the same technology opportunities that are afforded to other children in the state.”
Source: http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2017/03/15/rural-arizona-schools-libraries-to-see-new.html