The Channel is in use in 45 states and the District of Columbia, and new schools are signing on at an average rate of over 1,100 per month. In addition to schools, the Channel now reaches almost eight million households, and, of the top 25 television markets, the Channel is now reaching all but five. But here we're still at the height of summer, and we've already surpassed that goal.
Clearly schools are ready for strong educational programming to be delivered digitally.
We're glad to be in the forefront of the digital revolution that allows such extraordinarily valuable programming to be distributed free to the nation's schools. In its second stage, in January 1998, the Channel expanded to 10 hours per day, five days per week and moved to its new home on the GE-3 satellite. A third stage will arrive this coming January 1999, when the Channel expands from 10 to 12 hours per day, five days per week. Through these new media, the Projects give Americans access to quality college-level courses, and help schools and communities improve their elementary and secondary math and science programs.