Skip to main content

Technology

For more information, contact: 

Gary Mendel

gmendel@flatonia.txed.net

361-865-2941 ext. 313

or

Alex Castaneda

acastaneda@flatonia.txed.net

361-865-2941 ext. 314

 

One of the most critical challenges illuminated by the recent period of emergency remote learning has been providing access to reliable, high-speed internet and connected devices to facilitate everywhere, all-the-time learning. Data clearly show the lack of these essential technologies impact communities of color and low-income communities to a disproportionate extent. As schools recover from the pandemic, several federal agencies and the Office of Educational Technology (OET) are stepping up to provide resources to close the digital divide. 

 

The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) allows qualifying households to reduce their internet costs by up to $30/month ($75/month on Tribal lands). Getinternet.gov is a simple, easy-to-use website with details on how households can sign up for ACP and find participating providers in their area. Several companies additionally committed to offer ACP-eligible families at least one high-speed plan for $30/month or less, with no additional fees and no data caps. This mean that if households apply their ACP benefit to one of these plans, they would have no out-of-pocket cost for internet.