A recent study found that only 55% of students entering the workforce feel equipped with the necessary skills for today’s digital economy. This statistic underscores the importance of Verizon’s mission to bridge digital divides, an undertaking that has only grown more critical since the initiative launched over a decade ago.

"During more than a decade, Verizon Innovative Learning has been committed to breaking down barriers and equipping students with the skills and technology they need to thrive in today’s digital economy," said Donna Epps, the business responsible director of Verizon. "By expanding our reach, we continue to drive the greatness of the next generation and ensure students and teachers feel confident leveraging technology to enhance their lives."

Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, Verizon will add 34 new Title I schools from nine districts to its education program, partnering with Digital Promise. These schools will receive devices such as tablets and laptops, alongside a data plan from Verizon for up to four years per student and teacher. Each participating school will also be allocated a full-time technology coach to help educators effectively integrate technology into their teaching.

The impact of this initiative is already being seen. Approximately 80% of teachers involved in the program reported increased confidence in using technology in their classrooms, and similarly, 80% noted an improvement in student participation.

Expanded partnerships include multiple school districts, such as Chicago Public Schools, Compton Unified School District, and Kansas City Public Schools, among others in various states.

Beyond the direct school implementations, Verizon has opened its Innovative Learning HQ to any educator across the country. This free online resource offers over 500 K-12 lessons, covering STEM topics and professional development resources aimed at fostering innovative teaching methods. The platform provides lesson plans aligned with educational standards, ranging from prepared supplemental lessons to year-long courses featuring immersive learning experiences through augmented and virtual reality. Content is further enriched by collaborative inputs from respected education partners, including Discovery Education and Arizona State University’s J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute.

Verizon’s commitment to educational equity and digital inclusion goes beyond mere exposure to technology, having invested over $1 billion in market value to support these initiatives nationwide. This comprehensive approach has successfully impacted millions of students, contributing to the company’s responsible business plan that emphasizes social, economic, and environmental progress.

For small business owners, especially those in the education sector or working with local schools, this initiative represents both opportunity and challenge. As schools enhance their technology frameworks, local businesses can align their services to provide supplementary educational tools and support. Independent tutoring businesses, for instance, may find new avenues to offer technology-integrated learning or after-school programs that focus on digital skills. However, keeping pace with technological advancements can require additional investment and training, which may pose challenges for small operations.

The substantial presence of Verizon in the education sector signals a shift towards a more tech-savvy educational environment. Small business owners looking to support educators could leverage partnerships or create tailored curricula that align with emerging digital tools.

As Verizon continues its mission to equip the next generation, small business owners should consider how they can adapt to and engage with these evolving educational needs. For more information, read the full press release here.

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Verizon’s extensive network already reaches over 99% of the U.S. population, addressing most current wireless communication needs. However, the company continues to innovate by integrating satellite links into its infrastructure, aiming to enhance reliability and accessibility. This new capability allows users to not only send texts but also engage in voice and video calls, making it particularly useful for small business owners operating in remote areas.

“This breakthrough marks a new era in cellular to satellite connectivity in the United States that enables seamless data transmissions – not just texts – in the rare instance a terrestrial cellular network is not available,” said Hans Vestberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon. He emphasized the importance of this technology for customers who need consistent connectivity, whether in the wilderness or remote lake communities.

Joe Russo, EVP & President of Global Network and Technology at Verizon, added, “Our team has worked tirelessly to develop a satellite to device data connection for consumers to power their lives. We are relentlessly focused on providing the most reliable network experience for our customers where they live, work, and play.” The seamless integration of satellite communication could prove essential for small businesses that depend on communication in challenging environments.

This initiative received a significant boost from the recent approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which allows AST SpaceMobile to test satellite connections using Verizon’s spectrum. This regulatory green light supports the deployment of the first five commercial BlueBird satellites, which operate in low Earth orbit and are designed to enhance connectivity through voice, data, and video applications.

Small business owners can derive multiple benefits from this technology. For instance, businesses in sectors like outdoor recreation, agriculture, or emergency services can maintain vital communication links even in areas lacking cellular infrastructure. The ability to conduct video calls could facilitate real-time consultations, remote client services, or prompt decision-making without geographical constraints.

Moreover, this technology opens avenues for innovation in customer service and support. Companies may implement instant video support for troubleshooting, engaging customers in real time despite their location. This approach not only enhances service quality but also strengthens customer relationships by making communication more personal and responsive.

However, while the advantages are significant, small business owners should also consider potential challenges. One concern may be the initial investment required to adopt new technology and integrate it into existing operations. Additionally, businesses need to evaluate the reliability and speed of satellite connectivity compared to traditional networks, particularly in time-sensitive scenarios.

Furthermore, small business owners should stay informed about the pricing strategies that may accompany the rollout of satellite services. As demand grows, costs associated with utilizing these high-tech connections could fluctuate, potentially impacting operational budgets.

As Verizon and AST SpaceMobile prepare to roll out these advancements, the landscape of mobile communications is poised for transformation. The integration of satellite-enabled services into existing telecommunications frameworks could redefine access to reliable communication for small businesses, making it easier for them to operate in even the most remote locations.

For more details on this emerging technology and its implications for consumers and small businesses alike, visit the original press release here.

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