x
Breaking News
More () »

Austin ISD extends hours for buses with WiFi to help students in need amid coronavirus pandemic

WiFi-equipped buses will be deployed in neighborhoods with the highest need.

AUSTIN, Texas — A stay-at-home order is in effect in Austin-Travis County, and it requires residents to stay home in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. For some, staying at home means less access to important resources such as WiFi.

In an effort to bridge the technology gap, the Austin Independent School District has deployed 110 WiFi-equipped buses to serve neighborhoods with the highest needs.

This work is possible because of a grant from Kajeet, which valued at more than $600,000. This grant helped equip more than 500 buses with routers. 

RELATED: 

List: How are Central Texas school districts making sure your kids are ready to start online learning?

Comcast, Verizon and others won't cut internet over late bills through early May

Students who live at the locations below can access the free WiFi on their school computers, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. On May 15, Austin ISD extended the end time to 4:15 p.m. to accommodate Advanced Placement testing through May 22.  Beforehand, 2 p.m. was the end time for the WiFi buses.

North Locations: 

  • 8800 & 8900 North Interstate Highway 35 (Avesta & Capella apartments) 
  • 5701 Johnny Morris Road (Pecan Park Mobile Homes) 
  • 7000 Decker Lane (Huntington Meadows Apartments) 
  • 1601 E. Anderson Lane (Ashford Costa Esmeralda, previously Creekwood Apartments) 
  • 1901 E. Anderson Lane (Avesta Apartments) 
  • 1044 Norwood Plaza (Paddock at Norwood Apartments) 

South Locations: 

  • 10701 & 10505 S. IH 35 (Onion Creek Apartments & Bridge at Asher Apartments) 
  • 1601 E. Slaughter Lane (River Ridge Community) 
  • 815 W. Slaughter Lane (Trails at the Park) 
  • 8405 Old Bee cave Road (Southwest Trails Apartments) 

For two WiFi bus service locations, WiFi is available from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Those locations are:

  • 1054 Springdale Rd (Springdale Gardens)
  • 8426 Goldfinch Court (Thurmond Heights) 

Mobile WiFi is available at the following schools: 

  • Uphaus Early Childhood Center - located at 5200 Freidrich Lane
  • Metz Elementary - located at 84 Robert T. Martinez Jr. St.

WATCH: Tony Plohetski: Why local news still matters

MORE SCHOOL CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: 

Arkansas school district brings WiFi to school buses, making them fit for homework

Central Texas school districts decide new grading policies for coronavirus closures

Austin ISD to create 'temporary learning centers' for students of essential workers during COVID-19 pandemic

Austin ISD votes to continue employee pay, change grading requirements due to coronavirus

Before You Leave, Check This Out