Page 23 - Superintendent Report 2021-22

A WiFi mesh network is created by connecting fiber optic cable to root radios. Then, the root
radios are connected to mesh radios which provide the WiFi signal to users within the municipality.
Identified families will be provided a WiFi extender to capture the signal and broadcast the internet
connection within their residence.

So far, 13 municipalities are part of this initiative, including South Bay, Belle Glade, Pahokee, Canal
Point Unincorporated, Lake Worth Beach, Boynton Beach, Riviera Beach, Palm Springs, Greenacres,
Lantana, Haverhill, Lake Park, and Delray Beach.

While the long-term solution of the WiFi Mesh Network is being built out in each of the municipalities,
students have been connecting to in-home broadband internet either with a Comcast Internet
Essentials sponsorship, Sprint Hotspot, or T-Mobile Hotspot since August 2020. To date, 564
Comcast Internet Essentials access codes and 3000 T-Mobile Hotspots are activated.

The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County continues to be a valuable resource for this
initiative. Thanks to their tireless efforts, we currently have commitments for $962,939 to purchase
WiFi extenders. Currently, 19,929 WiFi extenders have been received, and 10,000 are configured. The
Educational Technology Department is thankful to the volunteers who helped configure extenders
and community partners for their continued support. These generous donations are helping students
across Palm Beach County have a strong, fast, free, and reliable WiFi connection for educational
opportunities.

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