Apple, Microsoft join carriers in $750M pledge to education
President Barack Obama has won a commitment totaling $750 million from a number of technology companies to help low-income students in K-12 public schools get early access to the Internet and educational tools.Apple is pledging $100 million in iPads, according to the AP. Microsoft is offering up its "billion-dollar response," which is essentially the potential to inject $1 billion in savings into the system. The company will offer Windows-based tablets, laptops, and devices through its manufacturing partners; 12 million copies of Office; copies of its Windows 8.1 Pro operating system; and student and teacher educational resources. Related storiesWith RealNetworks' influence waning, CEO departsMicrosoft brings kids developer tool to the PCReports: Tech recovery driven by developing nations, cloudIT players in motionGoogle's peers mulling their options in China Meanwhile, AT&T and Sprint are pitching in with a pledge to provide free wireless service to students. Verizon will invest $100 million in cash and other contributions to accelerate the development of teachers dealing with science, technology, engineering, and math.President Obama is scheduled to announce the program later Tuesday. The Federal Communications Commission is also expected to set aside service fees over two years to connect another 20 million students to broadband Internet. The moves are all part of Obama's ConnectEd initiative, which was name-checked -- alongside several of the companies -- during his recent State of the Union address. One of the President's priorities has been to provide high-tech tools and online access to students to improve education and to focus on the ultra-competitive areas of tech and science.The White House has a goal of connecting 99 percent of students with high-speed Internet within five years, something that other countries already enjoy.
