Windstream Targets E-Rate Funding for Wi-Fi

The Federal Communications Commission recently revised the Universal Service Fund E-Rate program, which helps fund telecommunications services for schools, to focus more on broadband, and Wi-Fi specifically. Windstream has taken notice and is targeting E-rate funding for Wi-Fi, with a managed Wi-Fi service. The new E-Rate focus makes about $1 billion available in funding for Wi-Fi or other internal connectivity solutions. Windstream has offered a managed Wi-Fi solution for some time and has now “…packaged its Managed Wi-Fi solution specifically for those taking advantage of E-Rate funding,” according to a company press release.

Windstream has offered the service since 2007 and claims over 100,000 hotel rooms under management with their managed Wi-Fi solution. Windstream notes close approaching deadlines for school systems who want to take advantage of this E-rate program. Schools and libraries must meet the upcoming Form 470 application deadline of February 26, followed shortly after by the Form 471 deadline of March 26. With $1 billion per year at stake in support of Wi-Fi connectivity (or other LAN technologies) in the schools, I suspect other carriers are actively pursuing this opportunity as well.