112 Vermont schools sign up for Sovernet’s fiber network

Vermont schools are getting big technological boosts as the installation of Sovernet Communication’s new state-of-the-art 100Gbps fiber optic network is completed. Students and teachers at 112 public and private K-12 anchor schools around the State are enjoying the many benefits of the advanced, high-speed network.’
All five schools in the Windsor Southeast Supervisory Union have signed onto the project.’ ‘We never would have been able to afford this on our own,’ said Larry Dougher, the Chief Information Officer for the district.
‘When Sovernet first approached us about this, I personally went to speak to the school board about the advantages this project would bring to the students. When you get an opportunity like this you have to grab it with both hands and take advantage of it.’’
Sovernet’s Sales Director Jay Bellows said that being able to offer schools connections to the next-generation fiber network, especially those with limited, expensive access to date, has been rewarding.’
‘Schools have been quick to see the advantages, whether new online and distance learning opportunities, an Internet 2 connection to UVM, or increased bandwidth at more affordable prices,’ Bellows said. ‘The WAN flexibility the network provides to outside educational resources in Vermont is tremendous.’’
Matt Martin, the head of Information Technology in the Windham Central Supervisory Union, which includes eight schools, has been impressed.’ ‘It’s been very reliable,’ Martin said. ‘In all respects the network is outperforming all our expectations. Teachers no longer have to wait or have a backup plan if lessons didn’t download as expected.’’
Martin said that Sovernet has ‘been great to work with,’ and noted that there is a long term added bonus to this project.
‘Because the schools brought fiber optics into town, fiber will also be available for homes and businesses. This is great for long term economic and community development in Vermont.’’
The fiber optic network has been built in partnership with the Vermont Telecommunications Authority (VTA) and the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), and will be owned and operated by Sovernet. The three-year project has been funded by a combination of public and private capital, including a $33.4 million grant from the NTIA’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program, a $2 million grant from the State of Vermont via the VTA, and over $12 million of private capital committed by Sovernet.’ ‘
About Sovernet Communications:’ Founded in 1995, Sovernet Communications provides reliable Internet and telecommunication services to residential and business customers throughout Northern New England.’ The company is headquartered in Bellows Falls, Vermont with facilities throughout Vermont and southwest New Hampshire.’ Sovernet is in the final stages of constructing a 900 mile fiber optic network in Vermont, with funding through the federal BTOP program, and the State of Vermont, that will provide fiber-based services to over 340 Vermont community institutions such as public libraries, public safety agencies, municipalities, State of Vermont offices, K-12 and post-secondary schools and healthcare institutions.’ With additional fiber miles, beyond the BTOP project, Sovernet’s new network will span more than 1400 miles, and will interconnect with several other new adjoining regional ‘middle-mile’ fiber networks, including the New Hampshire FastRoads network, MassBroadband 123 and the ION network in upstate New York.’ ‘ ION, an Albany NY-based subsidiary of Sovernet, operates a 3,000 mile fiber transport network in New York State, and is also nearing completion of a BTOP-funded fiber network.’ For more information please visit’ www.sovernet.com.
Source: BELLOWS FALLS, VT ‘’ December 18, 2013