Public-Private Partnerships: T-Mobile & City of Oakland, California

In the broadband industry, public-private partnerships (PPPs) involve collaborations between governments and private companies to expand internet access and improve connectivity. These partnerships leverage public oversight and private sector innovation, efficiency, and investment to deploy broadband infrastructure in underserved or rural areas. By combining public goals with private expertise, PPPs bridge the digital divide, promote economic growth, and enhance access to essential digital services for communities. This post is a brief case study of such partnerships between T-Mobile and various public entities who worked together to build reliable, high-speed Internet access to tens of thousands of students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Players

T-Mobile, founded in 1994, is a major U.S. wireless carrier known for its innovative “Un-carrier” approach, offering mobile voice, messaging, and data services without traditional restrictions like long-term contracts. Part of Deutsche Telekom, T-Mobile has expanded its presence in the broadband industry through its 5G Home Internet service, offering high-speed internet access to homes using its advanced wireless network. This service provides an alternative to traditional cable and fiber broadband, particularly in rural and underserved areas where infrastructure is limited.

The Oakland Public Education Fund, established in 2003, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing public education in Oakland, California. The Oakland Ed Fund partners with schools, community organizations, and donors to fund innovative programs, provide grants, and mobilize volunteers.

The East Orange School District, located in Essex County, New Jersey, serves the educational needs of students in the community of East Orange. Comprising several elementary, middle, and high schools, the district is committed to providing high-quality educational programs, including STEM initiatives, arts education, and college preparatory courses, to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world.

The Partnership

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted students worldwide, disrupting education systems and exacerbating existing inequalities. School closures forced a sudden shift to remote learning, which highlighted disparities in access to technology and internet connectivity, leaving many students at a disadvantage.

The disparate impact made its way to Oakland, CA where the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) had to shift 35,000 students to distance learning. With 89% minority enrollment and 30% English learners, communication was complex, and only 12% of low-income students had home internet access. To battle these challenges, OUSD, alongside the Oakland Public Education Fund, partnered with T-Mobile to utilize T-Mobile’s Project 10Million[^1] which would provide connectivity solutions, while donations from other private companies funded devices like tablets and laptops. Through intense collaboration, the partnership improved connectivity rates from 12% to 98%, ensuring nearly all students could access online learning.

On the opposite coast of the country, John Sousa, CIO of East Orange School District in New Jersey, also partnered with T-Mobile to receive 3,800 hotspots through Project 10Million. The partnership’s objective entailed curtailing the lack of broadband resources that was affecting as many as 11,000 students across the district. Sousa stresses the program’s importance, especially for low-income and homeless families, as reliable internet remains critical for education in an increasingly digital world.

Takeaways

Successful Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), like the collaboration involving T-Mobile, emphasize the need for leveraging private-sector innovation and efficiency to deliver public benefits, such as expanded broadband access. As seen through this case study, PPP programs could be incredible resources to help solve broadband and technological issues in times of emergency.

[^1] T-Mobile’s Project 10Million, created in 2020, is an ambitious initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide by providing free internet access and mobile devices to underserved students across the United States. Part of Un-carrier’s $10.7 billion education initiative, the program offers eligible families free wireless data, hotspots, and access to affordable devices to support remote learning. By addressing the critical need for connectivity, Project 10Million seeks to empower students with the tools they need to succeed academically, particularly in low-income households. This project has connected nearly 6 million students nationwide, offering free or subsidized data plans and affordable devices.