ACC approves changes to support internet for rural Arizona schools

The Arizona Corporation Commission approved changes to the Arizona Universal Service Fund to support an innovative program connecting the state’s rural schools to the internet.

The unanimous vote paves the way for the fund to pay for a program which partners the Corporation Commission with the Governor’s Office, the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the nonprofit EducationSuperHighway to draw down approximately $100 million in federal E-rate funds for infrastructure that will provide broadband to rural schools and libraries.

Approximately 250,000 Arizona students lack sufficient access to internet services.

“Equal access to broadband services is critical to the success of a child’s education in the 21st century,” said Arizona schools chief Diane Douglas. “This program is an incredible opportunity for underserved children from small schools in rural parts of Arizona to have the same technology opportunities that are afforded to other children in the state.”

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Last March, Arizona was one of a few states to be awarded the 2016 K-12 Broadband and Digital Learning Policy Academy grant.

The Arizona Universal Service Fund will provide $8 million in state match funds. An additional estimated $5 million will likely be needed — money that is included in the governor’s budget proposal, the ACC said.

The purpose of the Arizona Universal Service Fund is to support telecommunications carriers as they build scalable infrastructure to serve students in rural areas. The funds are collected through a monthly service charge .

Schools and districts can apply for funds this year by contacting EducationSuperHighway Outreach Coordinator Alyssa Cubello at alyssa@educationsuperhighway.org or state E-rate controller for schools Milan Eaton at milan.eaton@azed.gov.