Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) students will soon be able to connect across the city thanks to an expanded fiber-optic broadband internet program.
Smart Schools is a free, opt-in broadband initiative that allows students in grades 6-12 to connect their school-issued Chromebooks to a secure fiber network across Lincoln, Neb.
The district is partnering with ALLO Fiber to provide secure connections through ALLO’s fiber-optic broadband infrastructure, which spans Lincoln and other ALLO-served communities.
According to LPS, Smart Schools includes network-level protections against viruses, malware, and hacking attempts. It also features content management tools through the ProtectIQ and ExperienceIQ applications.
The program is part of LPS’s 2024-29 strategic plan, which focuses on student wellbeing, academic achievement, and increased family engagement, according to Superintendent John Skretta.
“This partnership shines a light on how public schools and private businesses can work together to support students and families,” Skretta said. “Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Lincoln.”
While the district did not share specific details about program costs or funding, officials emphasized Smart Schools’ operational benefits, including citywide device authentication and the ability to extend classroom instruction beyond school walls.
Students can access the network from home, local businesses, and community venues – anywhere within range of ALLO access points.
LPS Chief Technology Officer Kirk Langer said Smart Schools represents a shared commitment to digital equity, expanding the classroom boundaries and eliminating broadband barriers that disproportionally affect underserved students.
“Just as roads are critical infrastructure for economic development, Smart Schools is critical infrastructure for the education development of Lincoln Public Schools learners,” Langer said.
The full launch of the Smart Schools program builds on a summer pilot that connected about 2,000 high school students.
Now available districtwide for students in grades 6–12, the program uses nearly 100,000 residential and business access points across Lincoln to help bridge the digital divide. ALLO estimates the platform could serve up to 23,000 eligible students.
ALLO President Brad Moline said Smart Schools is the result of five years of planning and development, accelerated during the pandemic when unreliable Wi-Fi hotspots limited remote learning. Built on ALLO’s SmartTown Wi-Fi infrastructure, the new platform aims to enhance educational access across Lancaster County.
“Smart Schools is more than just connectivity; it’s about empowering students, supporting educators and helping close the learning gap,” Moline said.
Enrollment is currently open through the LPS student portal.
