Mobile Beacon Educational Grant Donations Top $1,000,000 in 2011

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I., Dec. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mobile Beacon (www.mobilebeacon.org), a provider of affordable, high-speed 4G mobile Internet access, is announcing total charitable donations of more than $1,000,000 in 2011. The 4G service provider has achieved this milestone through the success of two educational grant programs offered to schools, school districts, and higher education institutions in more than 50 cities across 23 states. 

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The first grant program allows up to 25 laptops and 4G modems to be awarded to help schools serve disadvantaged students who might not otherwise have access to these resources outside of school. In addition, as part of the grant, Mobile Beacon provides unlimited 4G mobile Internet service through June 2012 for each modem requested. After that, a grant recipient may continue the 4G service for a flat rate of $10/month. To date, more than 2,000 laptops have been awarded as well as more than 1,300 4G modems.

"Mobile Beacon is proud to be able to provide these technology resources to schools, that in turn, can provide them to the students who need them most," said Katherine Messier, Director of Broadband Services. "Our grant recipients have shared their successes with us and it continues to inspire us to do more. For example, some schools are now providing access to students whose families have had their internet service shut off, others who are currently homeless, and students with long-term illnesses who cannot attend classes."

The second grant is for a broadband security system that runs on Mobile Beacon's 4G broadband service. This includes up to four professional-grade security cameras, a preconfigured server, a server rack and free onsite installation and training services. Grants for more than 40 security systems have been awarded so far this year.

"The security system, although a non-traditional use of broadband, can still play a crucial role in a school's educational mission to foster a safe learning environment," said Messier. "Many school officials have told us that increased security is a priority, but given the financial hardships of today's economy, it has been beyond their reach," she added.

Mobile Beacon plans to continue its donation programs in 2012. In order to apply for a grant, an interested school or district should complete a grant application on the education section of Mobile Beacon's website and submit it along with a cover letter detailing how this specific program will be used to advance its educational mission.

About Mobile Beacon
Mobile Beacon is a pioneer in offering fourth generation (4G) mobile broadband services exclusively to education and nonprofit organizations across the United States. Mobile Beacon was created by a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that has more than 20 years experience serving the educational community and one of the largest national educational broadband service (EBS) providers in the country. Through an agreement with Clearwire, Mobile Beacon provides high-speed data services and mobile Internet access to educational and nonprofit organizations. Learn more at www.mobilebeacon.org. 

CONTACT: Katherine Messier of Mobile Beacon, 401-934-0500, [email protected]

SOURCE Mobile Beacon