Students shouldn’t have to choose between finishing homework and finding an internet connection. ALLO’s new Smart Schools Program is making sure they don’t, because we believe education is the backbone of every thriving community. This means giving students and teachers the tools to succeed anywhere.
Smart Schools delivers secure, high-performance connectivity built on our proven SmartTown Wi-Fi infrastructure, extending far beyond the classroom.
Smart Schools Wi-fi Comes to Lincoln Public Schools
We’re proud to launch Smart Schools in partnership with Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), bringing next-level broadband access to more than 23,000 students in grades 6-12. Once students enroll with LPS, they will receive a preloaded Chromebook with a secure profile to instantly connect to SmartTown zones.
With over 43,628 SmartTown access points spread throughout Lincoln, students can now roam uninterrupted from the classroom to their neighborhood, the library, and even to the park.
How Smart Schools Works
Seamless Coverage Inside and Out
SmartTown indoor and outdoor wireless access points provide connectivity to classrooms, common areas, and outdoor community spaces with education-grade coverage. With Passpoint profiles, student and staff devices connect instantly and securely without repeated log-ins.
Inside the Smart Town Network
Passpoint, delivered by Wi-Fi Alliance, allows devices like smartphones and laptops to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks without needing to manually select a network and enter a password each time. It’s designed to improve the security and ease of connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
For ALLO customers, unique access codes ensure authorized users codes. The service is provided on a separate virtual connection and has security protocols. Passpoint uses advanced security protocols, such as WPA2- Enterprise (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) and WPA3 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 3), to encrypt your data. This level of security is similar to what you would expect from a secure corporate network, which protects your information from being intercepted by others.
Once you join the SmartTown community and onboard your devices, you will automatically connect to SmartTown Wi-Fi, where it is available. This means walking around your neighborhood, to school, or at the park, devices will be connected!
Simple Device Set Up
Each student device comes with a Smart Schools Wi-Fi profile, enabling it to join any SmartTown zone automatically. School IT departments can manage access remotely, saving time and reducing support requests.
Centralized Management
With the Google Admin Console, IT administrators get a single dashboard to monitor device activity, manage access, and resolve issues in real-time. This gives the district a clear view into student usage patterns, connection health, and historical data trends.
Built-In Security and Safety
Smart Schools regulates content filters, user segmentation, and WPA2/WPA3 enterprise-grade security to align with CIPA compliance and student safety requirements. Only authorized devices and users can connect, ensuring a secure online environment.
Passpoint Technology: Seamless, Secure Roaming
Passpoint (Hotspot 2.0) uses industry-standard 802.1X and WPA2/WPA3-Enterprise security to create a SIM-like Wi-Fi experience. Once a Chromebook is provisioned:
- It automatically discovers and authenticates to any SmartTown Passpoint SSID
- No passwords or re-authentication required
- Credentials renew automatically, enabling uninterrupted roaming
This ensures students stay connected on the same secure network wherever SmartTown is available, without the extra steps and interruptions.
Why It Matters
Traditional school networks often end at the property line, leaving students to seek public Wi-Fi. Smart Schools closes that gap by ensuring students have continuous access to learning resources no matter where they are.
For Students, it means:
- Seamless connection for Chromebooks and other approved devices to thousands of ALLO routers
- Consistent, reliable access to online learning resources
- Ability to connect school-owned and personal devices with school’s authorization
For Parents, it means:
- Peace of mind with a safe, secure internet connection designed for learning
- Age-appropriate content filtering to keep students focused and protected
- Keeps students connected, even when home Wi-Fi falls short
For Administrators, it means:
- All students have the same opportunities and resources
- Better academic outcomes, preparing students for success
- Creates a highly skilled workforce, driving success for individuals and communities
- Eliminates the need for high-cost hotspots
For School IT teams, it means:
- More consistent connection than hotspots
- Safe and secure internet access with content controls
- Protection from viruses, malware, and hackers
- Manage access with content controls
Looking Ahead
Lincoln is just the first step. ALLO’s mission is to bring Smart Schools to more districts across Nebraska and beyond, ensuring that every student has access to the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed.
If you’d like to explore how Smart Schools could support your students and community, contact our team today! We’ll walk you through the possibilities, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward digital equity in education.
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