California State University, Stanislaus, a public university with a strong commitment to excellence, has announced that it has received nearly $4 million as the first part of a $54 million dollar capital funding boost through a public-private partnership with Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR). The partnership will enhance technology on campus and improve access to Web-based educational resources for students living in many of the areas served by the University.
The agreement will enable CSU Stanislaus to offer no-cost Internet access to eligible students, as well as provide the University with funding to improve and sustain its campus-wide information technology infrastructure.
“We are very pleased to announce this partnership and to be able to augment our technology infrastructure and services on campus and throughout the region,” said Dr. Hamid Shirvani, President of CSU Stanislaus. “As one result of this new relationship with Clearwire, we will be able to offer laptop computers and free wireless service to some of our neediest students.”
Clearwire will lease unused radio spectrum from the University to provide high-speed wireless Internet access and telephone service to its Central Valley customers.
CSU Stanislaus will initially receive nearly $4 million to support campus needs as the first installment in a 10-year agreement with renewal provisions. Revenue received over the term of the agreement will be used to upgrade and maintain the campus-wide information technology infrastructure, fund an equipment replacement program for faculty and staff desktop technology, and support campus efforts to offer a greater variety of courses using Internet technologies that enhance educational access for Central Valley residents.
“As a result of this agreement, all of our faculty, staff, and student computer laboratories will receive new state-of-the-art computers every three years,” said President Shirvani. “In addition, a variety of technology hardware and software will be upgraded to state-of-the-art. With all of these enhancements and the campus going wireless this Fall, I am thrilled that CSU Stanislaus will be transformed into a state-of-the-art technology campus within a year.”
Clearwire has also agreed to provide all CSU Stanislaus students, faculty, and staff with service and equipment discounts for Clearwire’s various broadband wireless service offerings.