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 multi-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.
“We are honored to partner with CSU Stanislaus to provide Internet access for students,” said Gerry Salemme, director and executive vice president of Clearwire. “It is a pleasure to provide these students with the resources they need to be successful during their college careers and we look forward to continuing to give back to the community where we can.”
Salemme went on to explain that Clearwire is committed to providing customers with a seamless and consistent user experience so they have easy wireless Internet access both home and away. This vision includes building a powerful wireless broadband network, able to take the services traditionally delivered to the home (voice, video, and Internet and data services), and mobilize them. Thus, enabling the person and the device and delivering the long-sought “life unwired.” 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.
About CSU Stanislaus
California State University, Stanislaus is a public university that, because of its student-friendly size and commitment to excellence, is able to offer all the benefits of a private education. CSU Stanislaus offers baccalaureate degrees, master’s degrees, education doctorates, and other professional studies including teaching credentials. The University is composed of the College of the Arts, College of Business Administration, College of Education, College of Human and Health Sciences, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Natural Sciences. CSU Stanislaus continues to emphasize quality and excellence in education and to respond to the needs of its diverse student population. Through a strong commitment to diversity and educational equity, CSU Stanislaus helps all students reach their full potential.
About Clearwire
Clearwire, founded in October 2003 by wireless pioneer Craig O. McCaw, is a provider of simple, fast, portable and reliable wireless high-speed Internet service. Clearwire customers connect to the Internet using licensed spectrum, thus eliminating the confines of traditional cable or phone lines. Headquartered in Kirkland, Wash., the company launched its first market in August 2004 and now offers service in 50 markets across the U.S. as well as in Europe. For more information, visit www.clearwire.com.