As students across the tri-state area — including the 1.1 million kids in New York City Public Schools — shift to remote learning, with schools closing to prevent the spread of COVID-19, districts and elected leaders were hit with major questions, included what to do with students that do not have access to a device to do school work from, or do not have internet access.

At least one private sector company is helping to answer that last question.

Charter Communications announced it would provide its Spectrum broadband internet and Wi-Fi services to households with students that do not already have a Spectrum internet subscription.

The offer applies to households with students in grades K-12, as well as college students. Installation fees will also be waived.

A news release from Charter also said the company would partner with schools to make sure communities are aware of the program. The company also offers a program for low-income households, and will open its Wi-Fi hotspots across our footprint for public use.

New York City schools have already worked to answer another question — how will students that rely on school meals eat? — though the plan hasn't been without flaws.

With schools shifting to telelearning, American workers working from home and others furloughed or without work, officials have raised concerns about the strain on the nation's broadband networks.