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School Wi-Fi Contractor Drops Price After Pressure From Idaho Lawmakers

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Flickr Creative Commons

A company installing wireless Internet networks in Idaho public schools says it will reduce the contract's price tag amid pressure from lawmakers who question the deal.

The Spokesman-Review reported Friday that Tennessee-based Education Networks of America and the State Department of Education agreed the company will be paid only for schools it connects with Wi-Fi system, not get a flat fee.

That could lower the price for the contract's first year to $1.96 million, from $2.11 million.

The Education Department says 203 Idaho schools signed up for ENA's Wi-Fi, part of a five-year contract that public schools chief Tom Luna hopes will boost classroom use of technology.

Despite the price change, some lawmakers remain concerned about contract provisions allowing ENA to remove all its equipment, should lawmakers halt funding.

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