An innovative and creative Internet connectivity program piloted by Riverside Local Schools that is expanding broadband access to previously underserved students and families in 600 households in southwestern Logan County received state accolades Wednesday during a visit to the school by Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Superintendent of Instruction Paolo DeMaria.
Riverside Superintendent Scott Mann said the program grew out of the pandemic, when schools were shut down in the spring and the district quickly realized how many of its pupils lacked access to Internet service at home. The district was able to secure a $171,000 Broadband Connectivity Grant, part of $50 million distributed to schools around Ohio through CARES Act funds set aside by the state.
After obtaining the funds, the next hurdle was figuring out how to make the Internet connectivity a possibility in the rural area, and Mann said OARnet, PCs for People and the WOCO Information Technology Center came together to support the cause. Their joint efforts have provided affordable Internet access that went live Wednesday to residents in DeGraff, Quincy and Logansville at the rate of $15 per month.
“It took a number of people working in the same direction to make it happen,” Mann said. “We had barriers to cross and were told ‘no’ by others we talked with, but these amazing partners have helped to make this happen.”
“You are blazing a trail that others can follow,” said Lt. Gov. Husted, also director of InnovateOhio. “I love the public, non-profit and private section partnership at work. In life, those who can collaborate the best will win.
“You’re providing an opportunity for children in the community who will benefit for years to come; this will be here after we’re gone. You’re also providing economic opportunities for their parents and families, who might need to work from home.”
Bryan Mauk, PCs for People executive director, said households that want to sign up for the Internet service in those local communities can call (512) 640-0905, or a local phone number, (216) 352-5594.
“We have already had people sign up for the service that went live today,” he said Wednesday. “We’re exciting to be able to provide this opportunity to residents in the local area.”
Subscribers will pay a low upfront fee for a router and then a low monthly fee of $15. The school district also is subsidizing the cost of some units to help low-income households.
Families that sign up will receive speeds estimated at 50 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload with no contract and no added equipment fees. The speed of Internet will be twice that of the federal minimum definition of high-speed Internet, according to a release from the Lt. Governor’s office.
PCs for People that is providing this low-cost service is a national non-profit organization that wipes all data, refurbishes, and then distributes digital devices to low-income households
The new Internet service is available through fixed wireless technology following the installation of an antenna on the lights of the school’s football field, utilizing the school’s infrastructure through OARnet to broadcast a wireless signal out to the surrounding communities.
The school also used the K-12 Broadband Connectivity funding (that was facilitated by the Ohio Department of Education and the Management Council) to provide hotspots on school buses that drive around the community, offering a place for students to do homework while on the road with sports teams or other activities if Internet is not available to them in their homes.
Wireless Internet also has been made available for use in the district’s back parking lot, where individuals can pull in and use the guest wifi.
“In a small community, the school is a hub — it’s where everyone comes,” Mann said.
“It’s a way that we can give back to our community that has been so supportive of our district. It’s wonderful to be able to support our students in this way as well.”
“This project is pushing the edge of creativity; it’s on the cutting edge, not only for the state but also for the country,” State Superintendent DeMaria said.
“Technology is an integral part of education, and the care and concern that the Riverside Local School District shows for meeting the needs of every child is a wonderful example of the innovative and resourceful ways Ohio schools are rising to this challenge of removing barriers for its students.”