A creative plan is being implemented by Cobb Schools' Technology and Transportation departments. With the school district learning remotely and internet connectivity being an essential link in the educational supply chain, the district decided to turn buses into mobile wifi hotspots for the areas that need it most.
Twenty-seven buses have been fitted with wifi transmitters and will be parked in neighborhoods around the District for use during the school week. Beginning on Wednesday, September 16, the buses will be heading out to 23 separate locations (four areas require two buses for coverage) and will be available for internet access from 7 AM–5 PM, Monday through Friday. The project is being made possible thanks to Cobb's partnership with the Department of Education, who provided the devices to make this all possible.
The District has already distributed more than 300 wifi hotspots to Cobb Schools families, as well as nearly 40,000 electronic devices for remote learning. Approximately 38,000 device requests have been made this school year alone, and approximately 35,000 have been picked up. Currently, there are about 3,400 devices still waiting to be picked up. The needs are great, but Cobb Schools support staff is working night and day to ensure that every student has what they need to learn.
Having a device, however, doesn't solve the problem of unreliable internet access. The goal of the bus wifi program is to serve the maximum number of students who currently may not be participating in remote classes due to limited or no internet connectivity. Ideal locations around the county were determined by examining CTLS use and access.
Connectivity instructions for Windows 10 laptops, Chromebooks, and iOS (tablets and phones), as well as bus locations, can be found in the attachments below. Bus wifi will be available starting at 7 AM on September 16.
