Walker, Murray counties get Wi-Fi devices

Schools in Walker, Murray and Floyd counties as well as schools in Calhoun, Georgia, will soon receive Wi-Fi Rangers from AT&T to help fill the internet connectivity gap for thousands of students in rural areas of the state.

Gov. Brian Kemp’s office announced this week that 448 Wi-Fi Rangers are being donated to 36 school districts in the state.

Each district will create its own mobilization plans for placing the Wi-Fi Rangers on school buses or other public vehicles.

The news comes the same week Murray County Schools agreed to spend $1.9 million to enhance the district’s internet capability. The school board on Monday voted to purchase 3,800 Chromebooks and 550 touchscreen devices as it contemplates what school will look like in the fall.

Each Wi-Fi device from AT&T can enable internet connections for up to 45 devices at one time. Each device also comes with five free months of service.

“Expanding Wi-Fi access will be a powerful support for school districts’ summer learning programs ...” – STATE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT RICHARD WOODS

The school districts chosen for the donation were based on several factors including poverty level and the studentto-device ratio. All 36 districts are in rural parts of the state.

“In difficult times, Georgians are coming together to support public schools and students,” reads a statement from state school Superintendent Richard Woods. “Expanding Wi-Fi access will be a powerful support for school districts’ summer learning programs and will ensure a more equitable education system into the new school year.”