DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines Public Schools will soon offer Wi-Fi on its entire fleet of school buses, the district announced Thursday.
The district hopes the new technology will benefit student athletes traveling for competitions, as well as students from "transient or unhoused families."
“Many of our students spend a lot of time on school buses,” said Transportation Director Samantha Sonnichsen in a statement. “Now students will have the opportunity to access Wi-Fi and complete homework for the next day.”
The new service comes as the Federal Communications Commission announced E-Rate funding can be used to cover 90% of the costs of internet connectivity on buses.
Over 14,000 students and staff members will benefit from the free Wi-Fi, which will be added to the district's fleet of more than 135 school buses.
Enabling Wi-Fi on buses also means the district can monitor cameras on buses during emergencies. In addition, drivers and school bus associates can use the Wi-Fi to find alternate routes during heavy traffic.
“We live in a time where Wi-Fi is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” said Associate Superintendent Matt Smith in a statement. “By equipping our buses with Wi-Fi, we are enhancing the safety of our travels and ensuring that all students have equitable access to the academic resources they need, even on the go.”
The district anticipates installation will begin in September and finish later this fall.