Working and learning from home is an adjustment many of us are now figuring out. But distance learning presents an extra challenge for students who lack reliable high-speed internet access at home.

With public WiFi locations closed under social distancing policies, we are working to bridge the digital divide to ensure students can continue learning.

In response to the ongoing coronavirus crisis, C Spire has redirected the C Spire Health telemedicine app exclusively to aid the University of Mississippi Medical Center in diagnosing and triaging possible cases of COVID-19.

C Spire is taking steps to keep its wireless, broadband and business customers connected during this time of uncertainty.

On March 13, the FCC announced commitments by dozens of the nation’s broadband and telecommunications service providers to work with customers negatively impacted by the current public health emergency. C Spire said it supports the FCC’s efforts and is working with customers to make special arrangements.

When it comes to bringing computer science education to Mississippi’s public schools, C Spire is all in. We’ve invested millions. And just a few weeks ago, we began a grassroots movement called Mississippi’s Future Can’t Wait that has led to the upcoming House vote on a groundbreaking Computer Science Education Bill.

Mississippi legislators unanimously approved HB 1165, the computer science education bill, in the House Education Committee on March 3, clearing the way for the full House of Representatives to consider a vote on the legislation.

C Spire and the grassroots Mississippi’s Future Can’t Wait movement have championed the legislation authored by Rep. Richard Bennett, R-Long Beach. If passed into law, the bill would bring computer science education to all 884 public and charter schools in the state.

The Mississippi's Future Can’t Wait movement is spreading awareness of the need for computer science education in all of Mississippi’s public schools.

Currently, Mississippi is trailing its neighboring states in efforts to attract new, high-tech business, jobs and expansion because it does not teach computer science in all K-12 schools. The average salary for computing jobs is $72,039, almost double the statewide average.