DEPARTMENT SEEKS WIRELESS SOLUTION FOR ALL PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS

The Idaho State Department of Education has released a Request for Proposals for a managed service to provide uninterrupted, high-speed wireless internet access in public high schools in Idaho.

Through Senate Bill 1200, the Idaho Legislature provided $2.25 million to connect every public high school with wireless connectivity in the upcoming school year. Most public high schools are already connected to high-speed broadband intranet access through the Idaho Education Network. 

“In this 21st Century, we have to make sure every public high school is equipped with the advanced technology necessary to provide every student and teacher with equal access to the best educational opportunities, no matter where they live,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna said. “Wireless internet access is a critical component of the 21st Century Classroom so teachers can integrate the technology they need in the classroom, whether it is videos, one-to-one devices, or other mobile technology that improves learning and engages students in the digital world they live in today.” 

The goal of the state’s Request for Proposals is to award a contract that meets the needs of all Idaho public high schools. Through the statewide contract, the state will deliver a managed service that provides wireless connectivity as well as the necessary security, content filtering and project management. The network within the statewide contract will be able to support all modern wireless technologies, such as laptops and tablets.

The state’s wireless network will work alongside the Idaho Education Network and any existing network a school or district might already have in place. High schools will not be required to participate; schools that already have high-speed wireless may choose not to participate in the statewide contract.

Proposals will be accepted until Friday, June 28, 2013. The Department anticipates awarding a bid before the beginning of the school year. All public high schools that opt in for the state’s managed wireless service are estimated to be connected by March 2014.

Download the Request for Proposals to learn more.