Building on the success of its Bus Response Program in Georgia and North Carolina earlier this year, mobile connectivity developer WiFiRanger continues its drive to bring high-speed internet to students across rural America.
Modified for use on school buses, the WiFiRanger Teton LTE-enabled router is making learning from home easier for countless students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The magnet-mounted, roof-top hotspot acts as a neighborhood hub with a maximum range of 400 feet. So, when a bus pulls up nearby, local kids can download and upload homework or other assignments.
Bringing connectivity nationwide
Due to demand in other states, WiFiRanger is working with parent company, Winegard, to deploy 3,000 units in September, with the Winegard-designed ConnecT 2.0 making up 60% of the shipment.
“Our new relationship with Winegard is paying dividends right out of the gate,” says Mark Maliwauki, WiFiRanger Director of Customer Experience & Success.
“The ConnecT 2.0 is already Verizon-certified, meaning we don’t have to wait to get our own certification before deploying units to school districts in need. It’s exciting to help them look for innovative ways to use WiFi hotspots in the future. In fact, we’re working with manufacturers to get hotspots pre-installed in school buses, too.”
Bridging the rural/urban internet divide
“WiFiRanger’s Bus Response Program has been wildly successful,” says Kelly Hogan, Winegard Company Vice President of Innovation.
“I believe every bus should have a router, as there are so many positives to this level of connectivity beyond the immediate needs of this moment. We’re bridging the digital divide for the unconnected. And that’s the kind of mission our company is built to accomplish.”
