These technologies may or may not be linked with computers. Supported by the Massachusetts state legislature and a Star Schools grant from the U.S. Office of Education, MCET is able to offer schools both the equipment and the programming at a fraction of the real cost.
Schools sign a three-year contract.
MCET programs are designed for live, interactive participation. If programs do not fall within school schedules, however, members may tape broadcasts for future use. Many towns have located the satellite dish at their local-access cable channel studio. This has the added benefit of delivering the same programming to all the homes in town that have cable service. Thus, parents and community members may access programs of interest to them as well as watch specific programs their children are watching in school.