Los Angeles Unified and Verizon Reach Agreement to Provide Unlimited Internet to Students Without Access (03-23-20)

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Shannon Haber, 213-241-6766

LOS ANGELES – MARCH 23, 2020 – Los Angeles Unified School District and Verizon announced today that they have reached an agreement to provide Internet connectivity for all students who have no Internet connectivity at home. This agreement is a critical component in the district’s plan for students to continue learning as campuses remain closed in response to COVID-19. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“The digital divide is very real, as many as 100,000 of our students lack access to the internet at home,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said. “We must find a way for all students to continue to learn while schools are closed and this partnership with Verizon will help to do that.”

“Access to distance learning and reliable connectivity is a critical component to the success of the LAUSD’s mission,” said Andrés Irlando, Senior Vice President & President Public Sector and Verizon Connect at Verizon. “Verizon is proud to partner with LAUSD to help bridge the digital divide and keep students connected to their teachers, schools and each other during this unprecedented time.”

ABOUT LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Second largest in the nation, Los Angeles Unified serves over 700,000 students in kindergarten through 12^th grade, early education and adult education at close to 1,400 schools. The District has authorized over 200 independently operated public charter schools. Additional details are available on the Fingertip Facts page. Los Angeles Unified's boundaries stretch across 720 square miles and include the City of Los Angeles as well as all or parts of 31 municipalities and several unincorporated regions of Southern California.

ABOUT VERIZON

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is celebrating its 20th year as one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $131.9 billion in 2019.  The company offers voice, data and video services and solutions on its award winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control. 

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