Report Shows Big Increase in Internet Availability for Oklahoma Schools

educationsuperhighway

A new report shows 91 percent of Oklahoma school districts now meet a minimum Internet connectivity goal of 100 kbps per student, an increase from 85 percent at this time as reported a year ago.

The EducationSuperHighway’s annual “State of the States” report on K-12 broadband connectivity also showed 204,216 Oklahoma students gained access to more bandwidth in their classrooms over the past year. At least 124 Oklahoma school districts upgraded their broadband connections. And 98 percent of the schools in the state have fiber connections needed to keep up with growing bandwidth demand from students and teachers.

The report drew applause from Governor Mary Fallin who praised her Oklahoma Connect and Learning Initiative.

“I am proud of the progress made by our school districts through the Oklahoma connect and Learn Initiative,” said the Governor. “This initiative is a voluntary program that works with school districts to maximize existing funding to connect schools with broadband, as well as provide students and educators with Wi-Fi access in classrooms.”

Evan Maxwell, Founder and CEO of EducationSuperHighway offered praise for the governor.

“Few state leaders are as committed to expanding and improving broadband in schools as Governor Fallin. I saw that firsthand when I joined her in September to announce the launch of the Oklahoma Connect and Learn Initiative.”

He said Oklahoma is making tremendous progress in bringing high-speed Internet to every student.

“Oklahoma is more prepared than ever to keep that progress going,” added Maxwell.