Report: R.I. third best in U.S. for most improved broadband affordability

EDUCATIONSUPERHIGHWAY, a nonprofit focused on upgrading internet access in every public school classroom in the United States, released its second annual "State of the States" report on Monday outlining the state of broadband connectivity in America’s schools. Rhode Island ranked eighth for connectivity. / COURTESY EDUCATIONSUPERHIGHWAY
EDUCATIONSUPERHIGHWAY, a nonprofit focused on upgrading internet access in every public school classroom in the United States, released its second annual "State of the States" report on Monday outlining the state of broadband connectivity in America’s schools. Rhode Island ranked eighth for connectivity. / COURTESY EDUCATIONSUPERHIGHWAY

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island ranked third in the nation for most improved broadband affordability from 2015 to 2016, behind only South Dakota and Nevada, according to the second annual “State of the States” report on the state of broadband connectivity in America’s schools.

The report, from EducationSuperHighway, a nonprofit focused on upgrading internet access in every public school classroom in America, was released Monday. It found that several states are leaders when it comes to ensuring that students have access to equal educational opportunities provided by technology.

“States are making tremendous progress in getting more and more students online at the speeds necessary to take advantage of digital learning. During the past year, an additional 10.4 million students gained the minimum connectivity they need, and 88 percent of school districts nationally are now meeting minimum connectivity goals,” Evan Marwell, founder and CEO of EducationSuperHighway, said in a statement.

The top performing states, which are states with all school districts meeting the minimum school connectivity goal, are: Hawaii, Kentucky, North Dakota, South Carolina and Wyoming. Rhode Island was eighth in this category, with 99 percent of school districts meeting the 100 kbps per student minimum goal. Massachusetts was 41st at 82 percent.

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Connecticut was second in the category of states with the highest percent of school districts that have affordable broadband. Hawaii was first in that category. Rhode Island was 18th at 64 percent, while Massachusetts, which also had 64 percent, was 16th.

In the category of all schools connected to high-speed fiber, Hawaii again topped the list. Rhode Island was 12th at 99 percent. Massachusetts was 41st at 90 percent.

Arkansas led the nation for having 91 percent of school districts reporting sufficient Wi-Fi in all their classrooms. Rhode Island was 17th at 82 percent. Massachusetts was 32nd at 75 percent.

Rhode Island, according to the report, had 80 school districts upgrade internet access last year, leading to 36,831 students getting more bandwith.

Gov. Gina M. Raimondo said she is proud that the Ocean State is leading the nation in providing high-speed wireless internet access in classrooms.

“Investing in strong broadband access will help Rhode Island students realize the promise of digital learning and empower teachers to personalize education for better student success in school, career and beyond,” Raimondo said in a statement.

The report said that 88 percent of all school districts nationwide met the minimum connectivity goal last year, an increase from 77 percent in 2015. It also said 34.9 million students, or 75 percent of all students in the country, are connected to high-speed broadband.

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