Networking

Kajeet and Google Partner to Close the Homework Gap

The organizations are working to deploy a private 5G network that will provide students and communities with substantial connectivity.

Rebecca Torchia

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Rebecca Torchia is a web editor for EdTech: Focus on K–12. Previously, she has produced podcasts and written for several publications in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and her hometown of Pittsburgh.

In June, Kajeet and Google announced their partnership to deploy a private 5G network with the goal of closing the digital divide for K–12 students. Kajeet’s Private 5G Platform will launch on Google’s Distributed Cloud Edge, allowing schools, students and communities to access the network.

This isn’t Kajeet’s first effort to close the digital divide. Its Homework Gap Grant Program has provided connectivity solutions to schools and libraries since 2017.

The announcement comes at a time when more schools are looking into options to get students online and provide reliable backup solutions to Wi-Fi in the event of network outages. The Private 5G Platform will do both while supporting Internet of Things networks and offering a flexible, more cost-efficient solution to schools.

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New Emergency Connectivity Funding Could Help Schools Support 5G

School districts seeking funding for connectivity can also look to the Federal Communications Commission, the organization responsible for E-rate and the Emergency Connectivity Funds. The FCC announced last week that it’s adding $266 million to the Emergency Connectivity Program. The funds will be available to school districts and public libraries in two new rounds, and they must be used to support off-campus learning and schoolwork for students.

Because the Private 5G Platform is meant to help communities access better connectivity, the FCC’s funding can be used for it in this manner. It could not be used to deploy the 5G connectivity in school buildings, another option districts have with the private network.

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