Shentel Business’ experience is ideally suited for challenges that face educational institutions, including K-12 school network design and solutions. We are focused on requirements for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connectivity, as well as the need for dedicated IP addresses to help manage network efficiency and speed.

“Shentel Business’ network infrastructure is exceptional and has provided 99% + network uptime to our 56 school districts (which totals over 60,000 students) that rely heavily on the internet to support their district operations. Shentel Business, unlike the other national “too big to fail” telecom providers, is a true partner of our organization and strives to assist OME-RESA in achieving its strategic objectives. Shentel Business’ support, sales, and engineering teams are phenomenal to work with and are always responsive to our everyday needs.” – Adam T., OME-RESA

A university in Steubenville, Ohio selected Shentel Business as their E-Line Ethernet provider with a 10 Gigabit circuit. The 10 Gbps connection helps to future proof the network, as the university has seen dramatic increases in bandwidth — along with many other modern higher education institutions. Shentel Business provides more network reliability with a protected backbone, which was also a key focus of the university.

SHENTEL Business is an E-Rate authorized service provider. As an E-Rate partner, Shentel Business is helping close the digital education divide. We understand the challenges facing K-12 schools and libraries, and we work with you to determine the best network solution within your unique budget.

Eligible schools and libraries may receive discounts on telecommunications, telecommunications services and Internet access, as well as internal connections, managed internal broadband services and basic maintenance of internal connections.

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC’s) E-Rate program makes telecommunications and information services more affordable for schools and libraries. With funding from the Universal Service Fund, E-Rate provides discounts up to 90 percent for telecommunications, Internet access and internal connections to eligible schools and libraries.

The ongoing adaptation of innovative digital learning technologies and the need to connect students, teachers and consumers to jobs, life-long learning and information has led to a steady rise in demand for bandwidth in schools and libraries.

The E-Rate program began 24 years ago and has evolved to keep pace with the need for increased broadband access for underserved students, especially those in rural areas. The mandate has also expanded to include the purchase and distribution of internet hotspots, expanded WiFi access on library grounds and WiFi “on the go” with technology-equipped mobile units, including school buses.

Learn more about the E-Rate program here: fcc.gov/e-rate-update.

Shentel Business’ E-Rate partnership also helps libraries keep connected to communities.

Public internet access from designated hotspots or institutions like libraries has been an important resource for people in less-connected areas. As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolded, those services took on even greater importance as people looked for ways to work or learn remotely.

As an E-rate service provider, Shentel Business enables libraries to extend their Wi-Fi ranges and keep signals strong so residents can leverage internet resources.

Contact the Shentel Business team to learn more today.