The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) previously announced the arrival of 1,584 tablets to the territory by Heritage Wireless as part of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This federal initiative, led by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), aims to enhance internet accessibility for households, facilitating crucial services such as work, education, healthcare and more. The program ceased accepting applications on Feb. 7.
The VIDE is now providing a public update on the distribution of tablets supplied by Heritage Wireless. Each tablet comes equipped with a pre-loaded T-Mobile internet service SIM card.
Distribution has commenced in the St. Croix District, with plans for distribution in the St. Thomas-St. John District scheduled to begin during the week of April 8. The program limits one tablet per family.
The distribution process includes a designated location and time for collection, where parents are required to present a valid ID and sign a receipt acknowledging the terms and conditions of distribution. Eligible families will receive notification by phone regarding their assigned collection date and time.
The initiative, funded by the federal government through the Affordable Connectivity Program, incurs no cost to the families. The VIDE is committed to supporting the Affordable Connectivity Program to ensure that families have the necessary technological resources to foster educational development and create equitable opportunities for all students. The Department of Education remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering a welcoming and supportive educational environment.
For further information on the Affordable Connectivity Program, visit the FCC’s ACP webpage at https://www.fcc.gov/acp.
