Friday Institute Joins Connect Everyone Coalition to Bridge Digital Divide

Raleigh, NC—The Friday Institute for Educational Innovation has joined the Connect Everyone Coalition (CEC), a group of leaders committed to educating the public and policymakers on the important role of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity and how this technology can bridge the digital divide.

The coalition is made up of internet connectivity advocates, industry experts, including those in health care, education and agriculture, and an array of groups that champion first responders, economic development, scientific research, local government and more.

“The Connect Everyone Coalition is excited to have NC State University’s Friday Institute on board as a member,” said Richard Cullen, CEC executive director. “Their focus on improving K-12 education and supporting learners and educators is perfectly aligned with the CEC’s mission to expand fast, affordable broadband access to everyone, everywhere—including through the promising technology of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The Friday Institute knows the difference that LEO broadband will make in underserved classrooms and households and we are glad to have their unique and valuable voice in this effort.”

The Friday Institute’s work and research on satellite internet made the CEC a natural partner, as it strives to increase access to broadband internet through various wireless technologies, especially satellite.

“We have been following the LEO internet industry since the early licensing requests were first made to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) around 2017,” said Ray Zeisz, senior director of the Technology Infrastructure Lab at the Friday Institute. “We have completed several successful pilots using LEO technology, yielding amazing results for some of the most remote students in North Carolina. I hope the CEC can use our collective voices to encourage the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and other broadband grantors to seek technology-neutral, cost-effective solutions, including LEO and other wireless technologies.”

Members of the coalition are united around the important role that LEO technology can play to achieve universal, affordable broadband access that fosters innovation and supports a competitive and dynamic broadband marketplace for consumers. 

Because of their low orbit, LEO satellites can communicate with less delay and fewer interruptions than traditional satellite technologies, making them an ideal tool for extending high speed broadband access to the most remote parts of the world. By connecting rural communities and remote areas, LEO satellites can help bridge the digital divide and make health care, educational and economic opportunities accessible for everyone. The cost of production and deployment of LEO satellites is becoming an increasingly affordable option for homes and businesses.