Wyoming 6th in nation for school internet connectivity
72% of school districts meet federally recommended standards
Cheyenne, Wyoming (April 7, 2021) – Wyoming is among the top ten when it comes to the best-connected schools in the country, according to data published by nonprofit Connected Nation through its Connect K-12 website.
“Over many years, Wyoming's robust educational network has grown an infrastructure that goes beyond federal standards for student connectivity,” said Gov. Mark Gordon. “We welcome the FCC's 1 megabit per second per student bandwidth goal and are committed to ensuring school bandwidth continues to grow to meet the digital learning needs of our students. With access to the very best technologies, our children are equipped to prosper in today's changing economy and to shape their own destiny.”
Currently, 72% of Wyoming school districts are meeting the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 1 Mbps per student bandwidth goal. That goal has been met because state, school district, and service provider leaders have worked diligently and collaboratively to improve school connectivity year-over-year since 2016. An overview of the state’s school district connectivity report can be found here: https://connectk12.org/states/WY.
“When you compare Wyoming’s school district connectivity between 2016 and 2020, the progress is incredible,” said Emily Jordan, Vice President for Connect K-12. “The state is a model of success that other education leaders across the country can look to and learn from as an example of what can be done to better connect their schools. What the state of Wyoming has accomplished far exceeds the national average for school connectivity, and we applaud state and school district leaders for their hard work.”
Just 47% of school districts nationwide are meeting the 1 Mbps per student goal set by the FCC—speeds that make it possible for digital learning to take place in every classroom, every day. The Connect K-12 website is a FREE tool that aggregates, analyzes, and visualizes E-rate data so school district and state leaders can more easily and effectively negotiate better internet pricing and reach their connectivity goals.
To learn more, visit https://connectk12.org/.
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Media Contact:
Jessica Denson, Communications Director
Connected Nation
jdenson@connectednation.org
502-341-2024
About Connected Nation: Our mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.
Connected Nation works with consumers, local community leaders, states, technology providers, and foundations to develop and implement technology expansion programs with core competencies centered on a mission to improve digital inclusion for people and places previously underserved or overlooked. For more information, please visit connectednation.org and follow Connected Nation on Facebook and Twitter.
About Funds For Learning: Funds For Learning® is a professional firm specializing in the federal E-rate funding program. Its mission is to provide high-quality consulting and support services for the needs of E-rate program participants, including preparing and submitting paperwork, and helping clients to understand and maintain compliance with E-rate rules and regulations. Proudly serving schools and libraries since 1997. For more information please visit https://www.fundsforlearning.com/.