Wireless Solutions for Closing the “Homework Gap”

As school is starting again all over America, one issue is on the minds of many US citizens and politicians– closing the “homework gap.” This is a newly coined term, which stems from the recent pandemic, and it’s catching on across America and worldwide.

The “homework gap” is the chasm between families with home broadband connectivity and those without it. Today, it is estimated that approximately 27 million families in the US alone do not have broadband access either due to no connectivity or the ability to afford it.

Over the past few years, it has become evident how vital broadband connectivity has become. It’s not just for big businesses anymore, but it’s also for mom-and-pop shops, local governments, schools, and households. Also, it’s not just essential for urban and suburban areas, since it’s also becoming increasingly vital in rural and remote regions. In rural areas, during the pandemic, it was not uncommon to see large numbers of cars parked outside of a McDonald’s or a Starbucks trying to connect with their broadband networks. There were entire families inside their vehicles, using multiple devices, trying to do the necessary day-to-day activities that now require broadband connectivity. One of the most heart-breaking things to witness was all the children of all ages struggling to maintain a connection, so that they could complete their daily homework.