Core Insights - ALLO Communications has launched the Smart Schools program in partnership with Calix, aimed at providing secure community Wi-Fi for Lincoln Public School students, promoting digital equity and extending learning opportunities beyond the classroom [1][3][5] Group 1: Program Details - Smart Schools is designed for students in grades 6-12, offering access to over 43,000 SmartTown Wi-Fi access points and includes a free first year of service for participating districts [3][5] - The program leverages Calix SmartTown technology, which utilizes Wi-Fi Alliance Passpoint architecture to ensure secure and authenticated online experiences in public spaces [3][6] Group 2: Community Impact - The initiative aims to bridge the "homework gap" by providing reliable online learning experiences across various community locations, including homes, libraries, and parks [3][6] - ALLO's approach is community-first, focusing on enhancing digital equity and strengthening local trust while expanding the program across Nebraska, Arizona, Colorado, and Missouri [7][8] Group 3: Leadership and Vision - ALLO CEO Brad Moline emphasized the importance of education and digital tools for students, stating that Smart Schools is a transformative movement ensuring students have secure internet access for their homework [8] - Calix CEO Michael Weening highlighted the collaborative vision that led to the creation of SmartTown, aiming to provide every child with safe and reliable internet access [8]

Core Insights - Kinetic has completed a $3 million fiber network expansion project in China Grove, providing multi-gig internet speeds to an additional 3,060 locations [1][2] - The project aims to enhance connectivity, support local economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents [3][4] Company Commitment - The project was fully funded by Kinetic, highlighting the company's dedication to high-quality connectivity [2] - Kinetic emphasizes its role as a long-term partner in the community, aiming to create digital equity and bridge the digital divide [5] Economic Impact - Communities with fiber internet experience significant benefits, including 213% higher business growth, 10% higher self-employment rates, and a 14-17% increase in home values [4] - The expansion is expected to bolster local businesses, enhance educational opportunities, and improve access to telehealth services [5][9] Service and Customer Engagement - Kinetic is committed to customer satisfaction, actively monitoring service performance and encouraging user feedback for improvements [6] - The company is also hiring in the communities it serves, indicating growth and investment in local employment [6] Community Recognition - China Grove is now recognized as a 'Gig-Ready' community, with over 75% of the town having access to Kinetic's Next Generation Gigabit Internet [3]