Charlotte, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district are experiencing significant internet connectivity challenges with school-issued devices while at home. The problems stem from a malfunction in the district’s security filtering system utilizing Zscaler software. Families have been informed of the situation, which limits access to essential online resources, and the district is actively collaborating with the vendor to resolve the issue as soon as possible. The situation raises concerns about the reliability of internet access amidst North Carolina’s efforts to improve overall digital connectivity.
Charlotte – Students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) district are currently facing significant internet connectivity issues when using school-issued devices from home. This widespread problem is linked to a malfunction in the district’s security filtering system, specifically involving Zscaler, the security software utilized by CMS.
Families received notifications regarding these connectivity challenges from the district on Tuesday. Students are reporting an inability to access crucial online learning resources when operating their devices outside the school network. As of now, CMS has not provided specific details about the number of students affected by this disruption.
The district is actively collaborating with the vendor to troubleshoot and resolve the connectivity issues as swiftly as possible. CMS has underscored the critical nature of reliable internet access for both students and their families to facilitate continued learning, especially in a technologically reliant educational environment.
While CMS indicated that the connectivity issues are statewide, it remains unclear whether other North Carolina school systems that employ similar filtering software are experiencing related problems. There have been no updates regarding a timeline for when normal internet access for CMS students might resume. Officials have committed to providing updates once the issues are resolved.
North Carolina ranks 7th among all U.S. states in terms of fastest median internet download speeds. The availability of broadband services, particularly those offered by providers like Google Fiber, has significantly contributed to this ranking. Reports indicate that approximately 96% of residents in North Carolina now have access to download speeds of at least 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps, based on state data.
This connectivity issue occurs amidst ongoing discussions aimed at improving digital literacy and increasing internet affordability, particularly in underserved areas. In June 2023, North Carolina was awarded $1.5 billion to enhance high-speed internet access throughout the state, indicating a push for better connectivity as a whole.
In terms of overall internet provision, Spectrum is recognized as a leading provider in North Carolina, offering widespread availability and competitive pricing. Meanwhile, AT&T and Google also serve as major fiber internet providers, with services mostly centered around urban areas, such as Charlotte and the Triad, while they continue to plan expansions across the region.
The CMS connectivity issues raise significant concerns as the reliance on internet-based resources for education becomes increasingly vital, especially amidst ongoing transformations in how education is delivered. Ensuring that all students have reliable access to online learning materials remains a priority for educators and policymakers alike in North Carolina.
FAQ
What is causing the internet connectivity issue for CMS students?
The issues are due to a malfunction in the district’s security filtering system, specifically with Zscaler, the security software used by CMS.
How many students are affected by the issue?
CMS has not specified the number of students impacted by the outage.
What is CMS doing to resolve the connectivity problems?
CMS is working closely with the vendor to address and resolve the connectivity problems as quickly as possible.
When can families expect updates on the connectivity issue?
CMS officials have promised to provide updates once the connectivity problems are resolved, but no specific timeline has been established yet.
How does North Carolina rank in terms of internet speed?
North Carolina ranks 7th among U.S. states for fastest median download speeds, with 96% of residents having access to speeds of at least 100Mbps.
What measures is the state taking to expand internet access?
In June 2023, North Carolina was awarded $1.5 billion to enhance high-speed internet access across the state.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Problem | Internet connectivity issues for students using school-issued devices from home. |
| Cause | Malfunction in the security filtering system involving Zscaler. |
| Impact | Students are unable to access online resources outside the school network. |
| State Ranking | North Carolina ranks 7th for median download speeds. |
| Access Speed | 96% of residents have access to speeds of at least 100Mbps. |
| State Investment | North Carolina awarded $1.5 billion for high-speed internet expansion. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WCNC: CMS Students Face Internet Connectivity Issues
- CNET: Best Internet Providers in North Carolina
- QC News: Millions in High-Speed Internet Funds
- WilmingtonBiz: Technology News
- Charter Communications: Spectrum Launches Gigabit Broadband
- Wikipedia: Internet Access in the United States
- Google Search: Internet Connectivity Issues North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Internet Access and Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Internet
- Google News: North Carolina Internet Access
Author: HERE Charlotte
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