On May 20, 2026, The Quilt signed a consortium contract agreement with Mobile Beacon that expands affordable wireless connectivity options for its member organizations as well as the thousands of community anchor institutions connected to R&E networks across the country. 

Mobile Beacon is a mission-aligned nonprofit provider of affordable wireless broadband services dedicated exclusively to serving schools, libraries, healthcare organizations, nonprofits, and other eligible public-service entities. Through this national consortium agreement, Quilt members and their Authorized Quilt Buyers can access mobile broadband, fixed wireless, static IP, and eduroam-compatible connectivity solutions that complement existing fiber infrastructure and extend trusted connectivity to locations beyond the traditional campus environment. 

These services support a wide range of use cases, including primary and backup connectivity, disaster recovery, remote research and field stations, community health clinics, libraries, temporary learning environments, and digital inclusion initiatives. By leveraging The Quilt’s collective purchasing power, members gain access to flexible, mission-aligned wireless solutions that help strengthen resilience, expand access to education and healthcare, and support research and public-service missions. 

Are you a community anchor institution looking for more detail about this program? If so, please contact qt-mobilebeacon.org.

Learn more about Mobile Beacon by visiting www.mobilebeacon.org.