Consolidated Electric Cooperative and ADTRAN Create Flexible Learning Environment for Ohio Students

Ohio utility provider deploys ADTRAN Gigabit broadband platform to ensure schools receive ultra-fast broadband speeds to personalize instruction for K-12 students

ADTRAN®, Inc., (NASDAQ: ADTN), a leading provider of next-generation networking solutions, today announced another customer in its Enabling Communities, Connecting Lives campaign. Consolidated Electric Cooperative will join the program as it deploys Gigabit broadband to businesses throughout Ohio, including 15 school districts. Consolidated Electric Cooperative will use the ultra-fast broadband to provide schools with the speed and bandwidth needed to keep up with technology demands and comply with local education mandates, including the move to online testing.

Gigabit speeds are allowing teachers, faculty and staff to offer more personalized instruction, as student learning styles vary within the classroom. Students can go through the online curriculum at their own pace and test with confidence once they have mastered the materials. Consolidated Electric Cooperative is partnering with META Solutions, an information technology center that provides networking and Internet access for school districts across Ohio, to deploy the ultra-fast broadband needed to help the students, teachers and administrators achieve a more dynamic learning environment. Gigabit broadband is also providing ample bandwidth to support the increased demand on Wi-Fi networks as Ohio schools see an increase in mobile devices from tablets, smartphones and other connected learning tools.

“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.”

“Schools across the country are being proactive and future proofing their networks in order to avoid bandwidth bottlenecking as more complex online and cloud-based educational programs become the classroom standard,” said Mitch Fleming, vice president, service provider sales, ADTRAN. “ADTRAN is leading the drive for enhanced online learning in school districts across the country, with FTTH solutions that connect schools at Gigabit speeds. Our solutions help providers, such as Consolidated Electric Cooperative, deliver Gigabit broadband services that maximize cloud connectivity, making next generation collaboration, online learning and testing applications a reality.”

ADTRAN’s Enabling Communities, Connecting Lives program showcases how innovative technologies are being used in cities, towns and communities across the country to support economic growth and urban development. These communities are using ADTRAN’s world-class Wi-Fi and fiber-based Gigabit broadband and Cloud connectivity solutions to reinvigorate downtown business and residential districts, connect classrooms with other learning centers around the world, and help attract new companies seeking to relocate out of crowded urban centers.

About ADTRAN

ADTRAN, Inc. is a leading global provider of networking and communications equipment. ADTRAN’s products enable voice, data, video and Internet communications across a variety of network infrastructures. ADTRAN solutions are currently in use by service providers, private enterprises, government organizations, and millions of individual users worldwide. For more information, please visit www.adtran.com.

About Consolidated Electric Cooperative

Consolidated Electric Cooperative, a Touchstone Energy® Cooperative, is a nonprofit, member-owned and controlled cooperative, which provides a wide variety of energy and telecommunication products and services through the cooperative, as well as its family of companies – Bright Energy Natural Gas Service, Consolidated Gas Cooperative Propane Service and The People Fund.

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Connect2 Communications for ADTRANAshley Baster, [e-mail]