Home Telecom and Berkeley County School District Unveil Affordable Internet Initiative for Students

Partnership for Digital Access

Home Telecom, a prominent technology firm in the Lowcountry, has announced a renewed collaboration with the Berkeley County School District (BCSD) aimed at closing the digital divide for families in Cross, South Carolina. This initiative is designed to offer essential internet access to households with school-age children, enabling them to thrive academically in an increasingly digital world.

Providing Educational Tools

Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the significance of the program. “This ongoing collaboration plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide, ensuring that every student in the Cross Community has the necessary tools to excel academically, both inside and outside the classroom,” he stated. The joint effort strives to ensure that students have the internet access needed for educational purposes, including homework and research.

With a Google grant supporting BCSD's initiatives, the program will offer free or discounted high-speed internet to eligible families, specifically targeting students enrolled at Cross Elementary and Cross High School, covering grades 1 through 12. This support comes at a crucial time as students increasingly rely on online resources for learning.

The Need for Reliable Internet

Over the past six years, BCSD has rolled out various successful projects to enhance student engagement, such as the OneBerkeley Connects initiative, which distributed Chromebooks, providing students the ability to utilize technology both at school and home. These initiatives have underscored the urgent requirement for reliable broadband internet in rural areas like Cross. Understanding that internet access has morphed into a basic necessity, Home Telecom is stepping up to provide solutions that support education, remote work, telehealth, and other vital services.

Infrastructure Improvements

William S. Helmly, President and CEO of Home Telecom, emphasized the company's dedication to improving internet access. “Home Telecom is proud to partner once more with the Berkeley County School District to launch this impactful program in the Cross community,” he stated. In addition to the affordable service being introduced, Home Telecom has already made significant technological upgrades in the area. Over 600 miles of fiber optic cable were installed in 2024, paving the way for high-speed internet access to many locations. By Spring 2025, the remaining households in the project will gain access to some of the most advanced fiber technology available.

Support for Eligible Households

The process to identify eligible households and set up services is underway. This proactive approach ensures families are connected promptly, directly influencing students' ability to excel in their studies.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like this are essential in providing equal opportunities for students, regardless of their geographical or economic circumstances. The partnership between Home Telecom and BCSD stands as a beacon of cooperation aimed at improving educational outcomes within the community.

For media inquiries, please contact Caoimhe Zett at Home Telecom via email at [email protected] or by phone at (843) 761-9859.