Consolidated Electric Cooperative offers gigabit broadband in Ohio

Ohio utility Consolidated Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative, has begun to roll out gigabit broadband capabilities across Ohio using equipment from ADTRAN Inc. (NASDAQ:ADTN), according to the systems provider. The roll out will enable the co-op to offer fiber-optic broadband services to business as well as serve the needs of 15 school districts.

The utility has partnered with META Solutions, an information technology center that provides networking and Internet access for school districts in Ohio, on the fiber to the premises (FTTP) deployment. In addition to providing schools with high-speed pipes for fixed-line broadband access, the infrastructure also will support Wi-Fi networks in the schools.

"High-speed Internet is crucial for both instructional learning and testing. Teachers are gravitating towards online over traditional pen and paper lesson plans, making the demand for gigabit broadband greater than ever," said Tim Snyder, CTO of META Solutions. "By working closely with Consolidated Electric Cooperative and ADTRAN, Ohio school districts now have the necessary speeds to meet online learning demands along with new and future mandates."

"Technology is creating a shift in today's classroom, and it's transforming the way teachers educate and students learn. As the country becomes a more digital-based society, schools must work to transform lesson plans and accommodate new technologies," said Doug Payauys, vice president of information systems for Consolidated Electric Cooperative. "ADTRAN's advanced gigabit services platform allows us to create the network infrastructure needed for deploying gigabit speeds. Through our partnerships, we can effectively deliver gigabit to encourage advanced learning opportunities for future generations."

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