Tech Companies Partner to Bring Cellular Coverage to Schools

Two tech companies—Athonet, which offers private network technology solutions, and BearCom, a wireless integrator—recently announced that they are partnering to bring private cellular coverage including LTE, 5G and CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) to North American schools. The companies will offer private LTE proof-of-concepts and installations as wireless solutions that meet the necessary standards of security, capacity and reliability, according to a news release.

“When developing a private network, our customers rely on us to provide a mobile core that is proven, reliable and secure,” said Mike Owen, chief technology officer for BearCom. “Athonet has delivered thousands of LTE, 4G/5G and CBRS mission-critical networks across the globe in the same verticals where we are focused.”

One recent installation for the Fort Worth Independent School District in Fort Worth, Texas, brought a private LTE network using CBRS to more than 4,000 students. Athonet’s EPC LTE mobile core was installed at the school district’s data center, while BearCom provided other vendors to bring materials like the Spectrum Access System, home routers, CBRS eNodeBs and radio access network software.

“Organizations are beginning to understand the benefits of private networks but need an integrator that can bring all the vendors together to deliver business results,” said Simon O'Donnell, president of Athonet USA.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • DFW-Area District Opens New Replacement Middle School

    The Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District near Fort Worth, Texas, recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new replacement middle school campus, according to a news release. The new facility for Wayside Middle School, originally established in 1964, was built on the site of the former district administration building and funded through Bond Proposition A in 2023.

  • LAN, Inc. Opens Office in College Station, Texas

    Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN) recently announced the opening of a new office in College Station, Texas, to support its regional client base, according to a news release. The organization provides engineering, design, and program management services for water, wastewater, transportation, stormwater, and education clients in the Brazos Valley.

  • Photo courtesy of Kraus-Anderson

    Minnesota District Completes $49.7M Addition, Renovation Project

    St. Paul Public Schools in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $49.7-million addition and remodeling project at two district schools, according to a news release.

  • Zurn Elkay Releases 2025 Sustainability Report

    Zurn Elkay Water Solutions recently announced the release of its annual sustainability report, according to a news release. The 2025 report discusses the organization’s efforts to maintain good environmental stewardship and the solutions provided in helping customers meet sustainability goals.