Belleville News-Democrat
East St. Louis families scramble for internet access to engage in remote learning
Melissa Lawson does whatever she can to ensure her children have a great education. The single mom of three juggles working as a licensed cosmetologist, a Zumba instructor and a school’s lunch and recess monitor while ensuring she has the money to keep her children at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School and Gibault Catholic High School. But now that Lawson’s children are remote learning this school year, she’s had to double her efforts because she can’t afford internet service in her home. She leaves her phone with her kids while she goes to work so they can use her hotspot for school.
When the city is your internet provider, the real cost may be hidden
[Commentary] In 2010, Highland (IL) leaders and residents decided they were not getting the broadband service they deserved, so they built their own fiber optic network. The city’s fiber optic company was just cited in a Harvard University study as fifth for value out of 27 public utilities compared to private competitors. A resident will pay Highland $383 a year compared to $679 a year for Charter, the study said.