Sprint Starts Filling in Digital Divide at 11 Schools

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 12/15/16

A commitment to provide free wireless devices and internet access to a million students has gone into pilot mode. In October, Sprint and its foundation announced the 1Million Project, designed to address the digital divide and close the "homework gap." Now, the telecommunications company has said it would get the program started among 4,000 students in 11 cities starting in January. Schools will be working with Sprint to identify which students will receive the devices and data service.

Each student will receive a device — either a free smartphone or tablet and hotspot device. He or she will also be able to access up to 3GB of high-speed LTE data per month. Once usage exceeds that, the student can get online at 2G speeds for the remainder of that month. Those who receive the smartphone can use it as a hotspot and for unlimited domestic calls and texts. Data service is provided on the Sprint network.

Once the pilot is fine-tuned, schools will be invited to participate in further rollout of the project, which is expected to start with the 2017-2018 school year and continue for five years. Eventually, a million students will be in the program for the duration of their four years in high school.

School systems in the first round include:

"As technology continues to grow in importance at our schools, a mobile device and internet access have become basic necessities that students cannot do without," said Kevin Kunkel, Sprint president for Southern California, in a statement. "Our investment will enable even more high school students to be outfitted with the tools needed to help pave the way for college and career success."

The foundation is encouraging people to support the program by making financial donations or donating their used mobile devices, which will be recycled or resold.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • laptop displaying cybersecurity and financial charts, next to a locked safe and stacked gold coins

    Majority of Districts Lack Dedicated Cybersecurity Funding

    According to a recent CoSN survey, most school districts (61%) do not have dedicated funding to keep networks and data secure, instead relying on general funds to pay for cybersecurity efforts.

  • The AI Show

    Register for Free to Attend the World's Greatest Show for All Things AI in EDU

    The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, held April 5–7, 2025, at the San Diego Convention Center, is a free event designed to help educators, students, and parents navigate AI's role in education. Featuring hands-on workshops, AI-powered networking, live demos from 125+ EdTech exhibitors, and keynote speakers like Colin Kaepernick and Stevie Van Zandt, the event offers practical insights into AI-driven teaching, learning, and career opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to integrate AI into classrooms while exploring innovations that promote equity, accessibility, and student success.

  • smartphone with a glowing lock and shield icon at its center, surrounded by floating security symbols like a fingerprint, key, and authentication checkmark

    Jamf to Acquire Identity Automation, Pairing Identity and Device Management in One Platform

    Apple mobile device management company Jamf has announced it will acquire Identity Automation, a provider of identity and access management (IAM) solutions for K-12 and higher education.

  • digital illustration of Estonia with glowing neural network-like connections spreading across the map

    Estonia to Roll Out ChatGPT Edu for all Secondary Schools

    In a nationwide artificial intelligence program dubbed "AI Leap 2025," the country of Estonia plans to provide free access to leading AI applications for all secondary school students and teachers. The initiative will launch with a rollout of ChatGPT Edu to 20,000 high school students in grades 10-11 and their 3,000 teachers, beginning Sept. 1.