WHO WE ARE.
Not sure if you want to ride with us? Wondering who the heck we are? Buckle up because we’ve got a story as twisted as a rollercoaster ride through a fun house. We are the fearless force for good today because of those turns. Read on for all the details of our history and our team.
OUR HISTORY
The Beginning
We began our journey in 1983 as five nonprofits focused on utilizing technology to enhance educational opportunities. We worked together but held our own Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licenses to acquire and utilize a band of educational broadband service (EBS) spectrum set aside for educational purposes.
The Early Programming
For nearly two decades, while separate entities, we carried out our missions as if one under the banner of Voqal. Since the spectrum allows information, such as data or sound, to be transmitted via radio waves, we used our pieces of the EBS spectrum to provide public radio to communities and educational programming to schools.
The Technological Evolution
However, the landscape of telecommunications evolved rapidly. Thanks to advancements in technology, what was used in the 80s and 90s for radio and television could now be used to send emails, talk and text on a cell phone, and surf the internet. We knew the spectrum would be critical for next-generation mobile operations, and so did the FCC.
The Regulatory Shift
The FCC revised its regulations, no longer mandating that the EBS spectrum be exclusively dedicated to educational use. This pivotal shift presented us with new opportunities and possibilities to generate public resources. Recognizing the potential, we transitioned our approach, leasing the spectrum to cell phone companies.
The Growth Phase
Yes, we turned to the commercial side. However, leasing the spectrum generated royalties to fund our operations and programs. With this newfound source of capital, we could increase our impact on working with communities. We also merged aligned nonprofits to streamline and coordinate processes from the inside out.
The Program Expansion
With the resources garnered by the spectrum leasing agreements, the merged nonprofits became Voqal Partners and continue to support educational institutions by providing affordable internet to schools, libraries, and nonprofits. We also established philanthropic programs that evolve and grow each year.
The Team
We believe true power lies not in solo performances but in synchronizing efforts toward a common goal. In our ensemble, everybody is a vital element of our collective melody, as outlined below. We are a small but mighty team who show up daily ready to go. Want to groove with us? Listen to our favorite songs about change on the Inside Voqalists Spotify playlist.
Amplifiers
Our board amplifies community voices, ensuring we listen to and take their direction.
Band
Our program team orchestrates initiatives that resonate with purpose.
Box Office
Our finance team serves as our box office, ensuring the smooth flow of resources.
Maestros
Our executive team conducts the symphony of change and harmonizes everyone’s efforts.
Majorettes
Our partners march alongside us, creating a formidable coalition and presenting a united force.
Singers
Our communications team sings our message and belts out tunes of awareness and advocacy.
Stage Managers
Our administrative team keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Composers
And the true stars of the show and architects of change are the communities we serve. They are the heart and soul of everything we do, the driving force behind every chord we strike and every beat we play.