Smithville Digital connects IUPUC to Indiana’s I-light system
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLUMBUS, Ind. (October 1, 2008)— Smithville Digital, an affiliate of Smithville Telephone, Indiana’s largest privately owned telecommunications company, has connected the Indiana University-Purdue University-Columbus (IUPUC) campus to Indiana’s optical network, or I-light, which connects universities state-wide to 1,000 miles of fiber-optic network reaching all four corners of the state. This system will eventually connect every Indiana higher education institution.
The connection of IUPUC to the I-light is important to the campus for many reasons. IUPUC Interim Vice Chancellor Jay Howard explained, “The connection improves our access to information. This means much more than increased bandwidth and faster access to the Internet; it connects IUPUC students, faculty, and staff – and the communities we serve – to a network of higher education resources across the state.” Howard continued. “It also acknowledges the critical role this region plays in the economic health of the state and IUPUC’s role in serving the higher education needs of southeast central Indiana.”
Smithville Digital currently provides high-speed fiber-optic broadband services throughout the state to companies, cities and technology parks like Cook Inc., Bloomington Hospital, Monroe County Schools, Baxter Pharmaceuticals, Purdue Research Park, WestGate @ Crane Technology Park, EG&G Inc., City of Bloomington and many other organizations.
Dr. Georgia Miller, a member of Columbus' Technology Advisory Committee and head of the IUPUC Division of Business, said, "The I-Light connection is especially gratifying for me. The City of Columbus has been a study in business incubation, and this is a powerful resource to support that well into the future."
Howard explained that this connection reflects the multitude of changes that have occurred at IUPUC since its establishment in 1970, in particular, the academic programs, faculty, and student body have increased and strengthened immensely over the past ten years.
“At IUPUC, we understand the power of learning, and I-Light increases our power to learn.” Howard said.
Much like the goal of Indiana’s I-Light system to support learning, technology and research in Indiana, Smithville Digital recently announced plans to invest over $5 million this year in rural fiber-optic infrastructure to help boost Indiana’s economy.
About Smithville Digital
Smithville Digital was formed in 2003 to offer the highest technological services for businesses and networking throughout the state of Indiana. Smithville Digital provides a fiber-optic means of digital data transmission to its customers. Fiber-optic technology allows for “last mile” connectivity as well as network management solutions to help customers meet their data transmission needs. For more information about Smithville Digital visit www.smithvilledigital.net.
Smithville Digital was formed as a spin-off of Smithville Telephone Company. Founded in 1922, Smithville Telephone has grown to be Indiana’s largest independent telecom company. Smithville Telephone Company has expanded its services to include Smithville Digital as well as DSL services. The headquarters are located in Ellettsville, Ind. For more information please visit www.smithville.net.
About Smithville Digital
Smithville Digital was formed in 2003 to offer the highest technological services for businesses and networking throughout the state of Indiana. Smithville Digital provides a fiber-optic means of digital data transmission to its customers. Fiber-optic technology allows for “last mile” connectivity as well as network management solutions to help customers meet their data transmission needs. For more information about Smithville Digital visit www.smithvilledigital.net.
Smithville Digital was formed as a spin-off of Smithville Telephone Company. Founded in 1922, Smithville Telephone has grown to be Indiana’s largest independent telecom company. Smithville Telephone Company has expanded its services to include Smithville Digital as well as DSL services. The headquarters are located in Ellettsville, Ind. For more information please visit www.smithville.net.