K-12 schools and public libraries are investing in new computer networks at a record level. As reported on E-rate applications, the average Category Two investment per facility soared to $32,073 in funding year 2022. Category Two funding includes wireless access points, network switches, data cabling and other resources essential for on-campus connections. The demand for Wi-Fi has increased significantly since schools have returned to in-person education.
On average, applicants requested $22,677 in Category Two discounts per site and pledged to pay $9,395 out-of-pocket. This is the highest level of spending reported since the FCC created the Category Two budget system in 2015, and the four consecutive year of increased per site expenditures. Funds For Learning recently presented a detailed look at the results of the 2022 filing window. Click here to watch the entire presentation.
