Mobile Beacon Expands 4G Mobile Broadband Donation Program On TechSoup.org

Additional 4G Devices Available to Nonprofits Nationally; Special Expanded Opportunity for Nonprofits in Affected Hurricane Sandy States

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I., April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mobile Beacon (www.mobilebeacon.org), a low-cost, 4G mobile broadband service provider exclusively for nonprofits, is announcing changes to its mobile broadband offering through a TechSoup Global program, TechSoup.org.

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Mobile Beacon launched its partnership with TechSoup Global in April 2012 and remains the only mobile broadband service provider to make its devices available through TechSoup's donation program. Initially, nonprofit organizations were able to select one 4G device per fiscal year (July 1^st – June 30^th). Since the program launched, more than 800 nonprofits have taken advantage of this program.

Starting today, Mobile Beacon is donating up to 11 donated 4G devices per year to qualified 501(c)3 nonprofits, schools, and libraries. Eligible devices include a Wi-Fi modem, a USB modem, and a mobile hotspot.

The new tiered structure still allows nonprofits to request a single donated device and try out Mobile Beacon's 4G service; however, now nonprofits will also be able to apply for an additional 10 donated devices during the same year. Although 4G Internet service is not included as part of the donation, it is available for purchase at a heavily discounted rate of $10/month per device for an unlimited 4G data plan.

Mobile Beacon has further expanded this donation opportunity to nonprofits in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island to help their rebuilding efforts following the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. While nonprofits in these disaster recovery states can request a single donated device, they will also be able to request up to 25 additional donated devices.

"The Mobile Beacon Product Donation Program has far exceeded expectations in its first year, and it has provided much-needed 4G broadband access to nonprofits and public libraries across the U.S.," commented Karen Coppock, TechSoup Global's Vice President, Strategy and Impact.

"Hundreds of these organizations now use cutting-edge technology tools to deliver their social missions more effectively both in and away from the office. The expansion of the Mobile Beacon Donation Program to allow requests of multiple devices will build on the successful first year. Particularly in states impacted by Hurricane Sandy, this program will expand high-speed Internet access when and where it is most needed," she added.

The goal of these programs is to make affordable broadband service available to community anchor institutions so they, in turn, can better serve their communities. Mobile Beacon's service is meant to benefit nonprofits that lack traditional Internet access, have slow access or bandwidth constraints, or who need mobile connectivity outside of the office.

"The large response of new and returning clients from the TechSoup program confirmed that we are providing a much-needed service," said Katherine Messier, Managing Director for Mobile Beacon. "Broadband is the key infrastructure we use to communicate and connect in the digital age. By making mobile access more affordable for nonprofits, we're helping them serve their communities, particularly underserved populations, more effectively."

Messier added, "We are especially grateful to have the opportunity to help nonprofits rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. We hope that both the cost-savings and mobile access will provide a flexible framework for these organizations to continue their missions."

Interested 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, and public libraries should visit www.mobilebeacon.org/techsoup for information on how to confirm eligibility and apply for this program.

About Mobile Beacon
Mobile Beacon provides fourth generation (4G) mobile broadband services exclusively to education and nonprofit organizations across the United States. Mobile Beacon was created by a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is one of the largest national educational broadband service (EBS) providers in the country. Through an agreement with Clearwire, Mobile Beacon provides high-speed data services and mobile Internet access to educational and nonprofit organizations. Learn more at http://www.mobilebeacon.org.

About TechSoup Global
TechSoup Global was founded in 1987 on the belief that technology is a powerful enabler for social change. Since then, it has assembled a worldwide network of individuals and organizations that share this conviction. TechSoup Global operates programs in Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East through a network of independent capacity-building NGOs. Through its websites, events, and community-building initiatives, TechSoup Global also helps companies and foundations optimize their philanthropic impact. With the support of leading technology companies, including Microsoft, Adobe, Cisco, and Symantec, TechSoup Global and its network have reached more than 197,400 organizations and enabled recipients in 52 countries to save more than US$3.4 billion in IT expenses (as of 12/31/2012).

Contact: Katherine Messier, (401) 934-0500

SOURCE Mobile Beacon