And that’s by targeting secondary education. By working with 35 school districts across the state, the Office of Broadband Development will use the Federal Communication Commission’s E-rate Modernization Order, which makes it possible for schools and libraries to construct and operate their own fiber networks. The districts will make competitive bids, and if their needs qualify as more cost-effective than lit services, they can take advantage of the match-rate program.
“Through this program, if the state will help pay required match, the FCC will kick in an additional 10 percent, making it possible for schools and libraries to build and own their fiber network that is paid for up to 90 percent with federal funds,” Johnson said. “This offer was made available due to the high cost of getting adequate connectivity to schools and libraries.”
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