Home Telecom, school district renew low-cost internet program

Home Telecom announced its renewed collaboration with the Berkeley County School District to bridge the digital divide in one of South Carolina's rural communities.

The initiative aims to ensure families with school-age students in Cross, South Carolina, have the tools they need for educational success by providing free or discounted internet to their homes. 

"We are excited to renew our partnership with Home Telecom, a vital partner supporting our students' educational success," Superintendent Dr. Anthony Dixon said in a press release. "This ongoing collaboration plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide, ensuring that every student in the Cross community has the necessary tools to excel academically, both inside and outside the classroom."

With a Google grant awarded to the school district and data provided by BCSD to identify qualifying families, Home Telecom is once again rolling out its high-speed internet service with in-home Wi-Fi for the remainder of this school year and into next school year. This program will be open to households with students attending Cross Elementary or Cross High School, grades 1-12.

Over the past six years, BCSD has implemented programs like the OneBerkeley Connects initiative, equipping students in the Cross community with Chromebooks for both school and home use.

This initiative highlighted the need for reliable broadband internet in rural communities. Home Telecom officials said in a press release they recognize that internet access is a necessity in today’s world, supporting education, remote work, telehealth, and other vital services.

“Home Telecom is proud to partner once more with the Berkeley County School District to launch this impactful program in the Cross community,” Home Telecom CEO and president William S. Helmly said.

The process of contacting eligible households and setting up the service has already begun to help students stay connected for academic success.