Posted on

WiFiRanger deploys 3,000 additional wireless routers for rural school buses

WiFiRanger’s recent acquisition by Winegard Company has made it easier to expand internet access to school districts across the nation hit by the COVID-19 shutdown.


Meridian, Idaho, September 9, 2020 – Building on the success of its Bus Response Program in Georgia and North Carolina earlier this year, leading mobile connectivity developer WiFiRanger continues its drive to bring high-speed internet to students across rural America.

Modified for use on school buses, the WiFiRanger Teton LTE-enabled router is making learning from home easier for countless students during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in areas with limited access to broadband.

The magnet-mounted, roof-top hotspot acts as a neighborhood hub with a maximum range of 400 feet. So, when a bus pulls up nearby, local kids can easily download and upload homework or other assignments.

Bringing connectivity nationwide

Due to demand in other states, such as Alabama, Colorado, Kentucky, and Virginia, WiFiRanger is working with parent company, Winegard, to deploy 3,000 additional units in September, with the Winegard-designed ConnecT 2.0 making up 60% of the shipment.

“Our new relationship with Winegard is paying dividends right out of the gate,” says Mark Maliwauki, WiFiRanger Director of Customer Experience & Success.

“The ConnecT 2.0 is already a Verizon-certified product, meaning we don’t have to wait to get our own certification before deploying new units to school districts in need. It’s a real win-win for remote and hybrid learning.”

The post-COVID educational landscape

“But this initiative goes beyond our current crisis and opens up whole new possibilities for high-speed rural internet education,” Mark continues.

“It’s exciting to be able to help these school districts as they look for innovative ways to use WiFi hotspots in the future. In fact, we’re working with manufacturers to get hotspots pre-installed in school buses, too.”

Bridging the rural/urban internet divide

“WiFiRanger’s Bus Response Program has been wildly successful,” says Kelly Hogan, Winegard Company Vice President of Innovation.

“It’s been a privilege to come together as a team—and to work with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile—to deliver these systems across the nation. I genuinely believe every bus should have a router, as there are so many positives to this level of connectivity, beyond the immediate needs of this moment.

“We’re bridging the digital divide for the unconnected. And that’s the kind of mission our company is built to accomplish.”

For more information, check out this interactive map of every WiFiRanger-connected bus in the nation: buses.wifiranger.com

About WiFiRanger

Based in Meridian, Idaho, WiFiRanger is dedicated to producing American-made, top-of-the-line wireless routers for life on the move.

About Winegard Company

Built on more than 60 years of heritage in Burlington, Iowa, Winegard Company is a trusted partner for designing and manufacturing high-performance connectivity solutions. This includes WiFi, 4G LTE, 5G, satellite, IoT, broadband, video, and over-the-air technology for residential, commercial, and mobile. All made in the U.S.A.

Posted on

Winegard Company acquires WiFiRanger

This merging of forces marks a new chapter in Winegard’s drive toward technological innovation and customer-focused expansion.

BURLINGTON, Iowa, Aug. 19, 2020 — Winegard, the company dedicated to designing and manufacturing the greatest range of world-class connectivity products and services, announces today it has acquired WiFiRanger, a leading mobile technology developer.

Based in Meridian, Idaho, WiFiRanger is dedicated to producing American-built, top-of-the-line wireless routers for life on the move. WiFiRanger will continue to operate as a standalone brand.

Winegard Company acquires WiFiRanger.

A phenomenal partnership

“I am thrilled to welcome WiFiRanger into the Winegard family,” says Grant Whipple, Winegard Company President and COO.

“We’ve worked together for some time now, and they’re phenomenal partners. WiFiRanger brings so much networking and cloud computing experience to the team. This depth of knowledge will make us stronger as we grow in areas such as 5G, AI, the Internet of Things, and more.”

An immensely gratifying milestone

“This is an immensely gratifying milestone in nearly two decade’s worth of hard work,” says Kelly Hogan, CEO of WiFiRanger.

“Since 2001, we’ve pioneered connectivity solutions for the RV park industry, evolving our technology to include both park systems and consumers. This synergy is pivotal for further innovations in the industry, particularly when it comes to new connectivity opportunities and media offerings.  

“With this mission in mind, it makes sense for us to align with an established industry player like Winegard. They have more than 60 years of experience, along with a stellar reputation that will accelerate our combined drive to remain on the cutting edge of innovation.”

Customers can expect a greater array of connectivity solutions

“Winegard moves with our customers, and this merging of talent and expertise is part of that evolution,” says Grant.

“Together, we’ll bring a greater array of lifestyle-enhancing, technological solutions to the RV market and far, far beyond. We’ve always had eyes on the future, and our vision is going to keep us at the forefront of change.”

About Winegard Company

Built on more than 60 years of heritage in Burlington, Iowa, Winegard Company is a trusted partner for designing and manufacturing high-performance connectivity solutions. This includes WiFi, 4G LTE, 5G, satellite, IoT, broadband, video, and over-the-air technology for residential, commercial, and mobile. All made in the U.S.A.

More information about the company can be found at www.winegard.com.

SOURCE Winegard Company