Aug 25 2010
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration has provided funds to extend the Arkansas Research and Education Optical Network in the state’s 22 public colleges for high-speed internet access. The $41.2 million grant will be used for building fiber optic network routes, leasing the lines and installing new network equipment.
The AREON project, which is a part of a $102 million grant provided to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, will allow the Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas and other colleges in the state to share curriculum for program offerings and course expansion. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has teamed up with AATYC for the project.
AREON is the only publicly-owned optical network in Arkansas and will handle the connectivity and construction aspects of the project. The project will commence in the next two to three months and is scheduled to complete in three years time.
Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges’ Executive Director, Dr. Ed Franklin stated that the grant for high-speed internet access expands their capacity to improve their association with industry and business partners and also to provide educational services to the students. He added that several colleges will be able to access high-speed internet in two year time, while other colleges will be able to use it in the next three years.