Austin school district deployed over 100 school buses equipped with WiFi for students without intern

[applegrove]

Austin school district deployed over 100 school buses equipped with WiFi for students without internet access

By Alaa Elassar, CNN

Updated 1:29 PM ET, Tue April 14, 2020

Buses at the Austin Independent School District are now equipped with WiFi.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/14/us/austin-wifi-busses-independent-school-district-trnd/index.html

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(CNN)As schools across the country shut their doors indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic, millions of students are now adjusting to online learning. But for low income families who may not have access to WiFi, this transition is a problem.

That's why the Austin Independent School District (ISD) has deployed 110 school buses now equipped with WiFi to neighborhoods and apartment complexes where the district identified the highest need for internet access.

Starting on Monday, the district "strategically positions" the buses, which have WiFi capabilities up to a distance of 300 feet, every weekday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Students can connect to the WiFi using their school computers only, not personal devices, though they're not allowed to board the bus. While everyone is advised to stay inside, students may have to move closer to the bus to gain access to the WiFi, but must remain at least six feet apart from anyone else to follow social distancing guidelines.

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[unblock]

1. That is really cool!

[dalton99a]

2. Great idea.

[whistler162]

3. Yup.... we are scrambling to get Internet for

students, MiFi's are in short supply. The problem in rural areas is bad or no cell service and no Internet. One local district and I am sure there are more deployed school busses with WiFi at different locations for 20 minute increments. One of many areas that need addressing after a major tax increase for those who make the most.

[Hoyt]

4. Awesome. Hope it catches on everywhere it's needed.