Suddenlink FYI

The demonstration featured new educational capabilities enabled by a fiber WAN (wide area network) connecting 29 Mercer County School buildings to the West Virginia Department of Education in Charleston. Suddenlink was the lead contractor on the project, working with Comcast.

The Mercer County project was largely funded through the federal “E-Rate” program, which was co-authored by Sen. Rockefeller and included in the 1996 Telecommunications Act. According to the Senator’s office, West Virginia has received more than $104.6 million since the inception of the E-Rate program, — including nearly $10.6 million this year — to help schools and libraries pay for the cost of wiring their buildings, bringing education technology into the classroom, and maintaining Internet access.

Regarding the Mercer County project, Sen. Rockefeller said:

“This kind of technology not only makes learning fun, but opens up countless possibilities for teachers and students to look beyond traditional lesson plans and allows them to take full advantage of the enormous opportunities on the Internet. The students are getting the 21st Century education they need to be successful after high school. I commend the Mercer County Board of Education for being so committed to their students’ futures.”

Mr. Kent added:

“We know advanced broadband technology is increasingly critical to education, and that’s why we are proud to have been a lead partner in this effort with Mercer County Schools. The platform that enabled this network is the outgrowth of a major capital investment — part of our ongoing commitment to West Virginia, its citizens, and our customers.”

Check here for more on Suddenlink in West Virginia.