Connecting the Classroom: LEO Satellite Broadband and K-12 Education

In case you missed it, last week the Connect Everyone Coalition (CEC) hosted a webinar: “Connecting the Classroom: LEO Satellite Broadband and K-12 Education.” During the webinar, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) provided remarks on how expanded broadband access, including through innovative technologies like low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, is unlocking greater educational opportunities for students across Alaska and the nation.

The digital divide continues to hinder students’ access to essential educational resources and online learning, underscoring the urgent need for broadband solutions that can finally reach unserved and underserved communities.

Senator Murkowski said:

“[…] I appreciate the opportunity to open this webinar by highlighting the benefits of high-speed, reliable broadband access for today’s K-12 education. Just last month, BroadbandNow issued a report on the ‘Best and Worst States for Broadband.’ It showed that ‘Alaska ranks dead last with only 0.2 percent of residents having access to affordable broadband plans,’ so these issues are particularly important to me. Access to high-speed internet has become essential for all aspects of modern society — particularly in education.” 

She also praised Congress for efforts to close the digital divide and highlighted the benefits of LEO satellite connectivity:

“Congress recognized this priority when we enacted the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law in 2021, including historic levels of funding to close the digital divide that persists around the nation. When it came to broadband infrastructure, we included criteria for things like speed and scalability but also wanted states to have flexibility to deploy funding to reach as many unserved and underserved communities as possible, including LEO satellites where they may make the most sense or are the only option.”

Senator Murkowski concluded by reaffirming her commitment to closing the digital divide for Americans: 

“Alaskan students need equitable access to the educational tools of today – delivered by reliable broadband. I am committed to the deployment of these vital technologies and ensuring that Alaskans and Americans are able to equally benefit.”

Watch the full webinar HERE and read highlights HERE.

Learn more about connecting classrooms and providing opportunities for life-long learning with fast, affordable and accessible technology HERE and learn more about the Connect Everyone Coalition HERE.