North Dakota’s Connectivity Wins

How E-Rate and Fiber Broadband Transformed K-12 Education

North Dakota has emerged as a national leader in rural school internet access, thanks to a strategic blend of E-Rate funding, fiber broadband infrastructure, and state-led digital equity initiatives.

Closing the Digital Divide in Rural North Dakota Schools

North Dakota’s vast rural geography once posed significant challenges to school connectivity. But through smart investments and collaborative partnerships, the state has successfully bridged the digital divide in education. Central to this progress is the Federal Communications Commission’s E-Rate program, which provides schools with affordable access to internet and telecommunications services.

Combined with state and federal broadband programs, E-Rate has helped North Dakota modernize its educational infrastructure, making it the first state in the country to deliver gigabit-speed internet to every K–12 school district.

How E-Rate Funding Upgraded Every K–12 School in North Dakota

Since its inception, the E-Rate program has empowered rural, urban, and Tribal schools across North Dakota to expand their digital capabilities. Schools have used E-Rate discounts to upgrade outdated networks, install fiber connections, and ensure equitable internet access for all students.

Key Connectivity Milestones:

  • 1 Gbps Internet to Every School District: North Dakota is the first U.S. state to provide 1 gigabit-per-second fiber connectivity to every K–12 district.
  • Broadband Access for Homes: Over 95% of households in North Dakota have access to 100 Mbps broadband, and more than 70% can access 1 Gbps service—one of the highest rates in the nation.
  • Federal and State Investment: In 2023 alone, North Dakota received over $33.8 million in funding through programs like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, further supporting school and community broadband expansion.

These achievements didn’t happen overnight—they are the result of decades of strategic planning, public-private partnerships, and statewide commitment to educational equity through digital access.

Spotlight on North Dakota’s School Connectivity Success Stories

White Shield School District: Advancing Digital Learning in All Communities

In the heart of McLean County, the White Shield School District in McLean County consistently is thinking outside of the box; White Shield School District serves a predominantly Native American student population and showcases how targeted broadband investment can close educational gaps in all kinds, including rural, communities. Historically challenged by limited infrastructure and chronic teacher shortages, the district turned to E-Rate and federal broadband programs to reshape its educational future.

With E-Rate support, White Shield opened a new 63,000-square-foot school facility in 2016—fully equipped with high-speed fiber connectivity, smart classroom technologies, and secure digital infrastructure. These upgrades have enabled students to engage in modern digital learning, from virtual labs to interactive STEM coursework.

To overcome staffing hurdles, the district pioneered innovative hiring, including recruiting teachers internationally through the J-1 visa program. By 2020, every classroom had a qualified educator, dramatically improving instructional stability and student achievement.

👉 More about White Shield School District

Mandan Public Schools: Digital Access Driving Academic Excellence

Mandan Public Schools highlight how reliable, high-speed internet can elevate academic outcomes in more urban and suburban settings. At Mandan High School, improved broadband access—enabled by public-private partnerships and E-Rate investments—has transformed how students learn and teachers teach.

Since enhancing its digital infrastructure, Mandan has seen a measurable uptick in student performance. Scores on the North Dakota State Assessment consistently exceed state averages, particularly in reading, math, and science. These gains are attributed to the seamless integration of digital curriculum tools, interactive learning apps, and real-time collaboration technologies.

The district’s forward-thinking use of connectivity has also expanded access to advanced placement courses, virtual dual-credit programs, and inclusive learning resources—bridging opportunity gaps and supporting personalized instruction.

👉 More about Mandan Public Schools

Why North Dakota Leads in K–12 Broadband Connectivity

Robust Public-Private Partnerships with Local Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

North Dakota’s broadband success is built on strong public-private partnerships. Central to this model is the Dakota Carrier Network (DCN) and its 13 owner companies, which have collectively invested over $1 billion in broadband infrastructure across the state over the last decade.

In 2023, DCN received a $19.7 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to further expand middle-mile infrastructure, ensuring that even the most remote areas have access to reliable, high-speed connectivity.

👉 Read more about rural broadband case studies

State-Led Broadband Strategy and Investment

The North Dakota State Broadband Office, operating under the Information Technology Department, plays a central role in coordinating and executing the state’s broadband goals. Through federally supported programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, North Dakota has secured $130 million to connect unserved and underserved locations.

To ensure long-term infrastructure sustainability, the state has awarded Capital Project Fund Grants to broadband providers focused on deploying fiber-optic networks in deeply rural communities. This strategic approach helps future-proof educational connectivity and positions North Dakota as a blueprint for other rural states.

Lessons for States Seeking to Expand K–12 Broadband Access

North Dakota’s success in bridging the digital divide offers actionable lessons for other states and school districts striving to enhance educational internet access, especially in rural and underserved areas.

  1. Maximize Federal Funding Opportunities: Leverage national broadband programs such as E-Rate and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to finance large-scale infrastructure improvements. These programs can cover up to 90% of eligible project costs.
  2. Build Strong Local Partnerships: Collaborating with local internet service providers (ISPs) helps ensure that broadband deployments meet specific community needs. These partnerships can speed up deployment timelines and increase sustainability.
  3. Prioritize Future-Proof Infrastructure: Invest in fiber-optic networks and scalable broadband solutions that will meet not only today’s bandwidth requirements but also tomorrow’s digital learning demands.
  4. Advance Digital Equity in Underserved Areas: Design broadband initiatives with equity in mind. Target funding and implementation efforts toward rural, low-income, and tribal communities to ensure every student has equal access to digital learning opportunities.

Conclusion: North Dakota as a National Model for Digital Transformation

North Dakota has redefined what’s possible in rural K–12 connectivity. By combining E-Rate funding, state broadband leadership, and strategic partnerships with ISPs, the state has achieved universal gigabit internet access for every school district—making it a national benchmark for digital equity in education.

Their success story demonstrates that with the right blend of funding, collaboration, and vision, even the most geographically dispersed communities can create a connected, future-ready learning environment.

Ready to Bring High-Speed Internet to Every Classroom?

If you’re a school district leader or state policymaker, now is the time to act. Replicating North Dakota’s success starts with a plan—and the right partner.

OneTelGEM specializes in helping districts secure E-Rate funding, plan fiber-optic projects, and build cost-effective broadband solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the E-Rate program and how has it supported North Dakota schools?

The E-Rate program, administered by the FCC, offers discounts on broadband and telecommunications services for schools and libraries. In North Dakota, E-Rate has played a critical role in helping every K–12 school district achieve 1 Gbps internet access through coordinated applications, infrastructure investments, and partnerships with local broadband providers.

How much federal broadband funding has North Dakota received for education?

In 2023 alone, North Dakota received approximately $33.8 million in combined federal broadband funding. This includes allocations from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, aimed at supporting middle-mile and last-mile broadband expansion, especially for schools in rural and tribal regions.

Which North Dakota school districts have benefited most from E-Rate?

Two leading examples:

    • White Shield School District used E-Rate funding to build a state-of-the-art educational facility and addressed staffing shortages through the J-1 visa program.
    • Mandan Public Schools leveraged upgraded internet access to improve student performance in math, reading, and science, outperforming state averages.

What is the current internet speed available in North Dakota schools and homes?

100% of public K–12 schools in North Dakota now have access to 1 Gbps fiber-optic internet.
95% of households have access to 100 Mbps broadband, and over 70% of homes have access to 1 Gbps, according to NTIA data.

What is the role of Dakota Carrier Network (DCN) in school connectivity?

Dakota Carrier Network (DCN) is a statewide consortium of 13 rural ISPs. Key contributions include:

    • Investing over $1 billion in broadband infrastructure across North Dakota
    • Receiving a $19.7 million NTIA grant in 2023 to expand middle-mile networks
    • Partnering with school districts to deliver scalable, fiber-based internet solutions

What is the BEAD Program and how does it help North Dakota schools?

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, awarded $130 million to North Dakota to connect unserved and underserved communities. Many schools in rural and Tribal areas benefit directly from these funds, which complement E-Rate.

How can other states replicate North Dakota’s success with E-Rate and broadband?

Proven strategies include:

    • Aligning state broadband planning with E-Rate timelines and funding windows
    • Partnering early with local ISPs to coordinate infrastructure projects
    • Layering federal funding streams such as E-Rate, BEAD, and NTIA grants
    • Prioritizing future-proof solutions, especially fiber-optic networks

Is fiber-optic internet the standard in North Dakota schools?

Yes. Fiber-optic infrastructure is the backbone of North Dakota’s educational broadband network. It delivers high-speed, low-latency internet capable of supporting remote learning, advanced digital tools, and future innovations in classroom technology.

What are the educational benefits of improved internet access in North Dakota?

With robust connectivity, North Dakota schools have:

    • Increased student achievement through digital assessments and learning platforms
    • Improved teacher recruitment and retention with modern tools and professional development
    • Expanded course offerings via virtual instruction and distance learning
    • Promoted equity in rural and Tribal schools by closing the digital access gap

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