Ethernet over Fiber Enables the First Researched-Based Learning Lab in Montana
BILLINGS, Mont. – Aug. 15, 2013 – Integra™, a provider of fiber-based, carrier-grade networking, communications and technology solutions, announces its donation of 1 Gbps (gigabit-per-second) High-Speed Internet service to the Billings Public Library Foundation in Montana. The Billings Public Library is creating a digital media center in its new state of the art building scheduled to open in December 2013. It is one of only 24 entities in the nation to receive a Learning Labs Grant from the MacArthur Foundation.
In partnership with Billings School District 2, the Billings Public Library (formerly the Parmly Billings Library) will establish the first Learning Lab in Montana, designed to facilitate a research-based education model for at-risk teens and children living in the area. Integra’s Ethernet over Fiber provides highly scalable 1 Gbps High-Speed Internet service allowing the Billings Public Library Learning Lab to offer connected learning through digital media.
“We’re proud to lend our technology and expertise to support local partnerships aimed at enabling growth and development in the communities we serve,” said Joseph Harding, chief marketing officer at Integra. “We’re making a significant investment in our network and product infrastructure here in Montana, because we are committed to serving this thriving market.”
The infrastructure used to deliver the services Integra is providing to the Billings Public Library is part of a strategic network investment throughout Montana including densely populated metro areas such as Billings. Integra’s recent increase in on-network locations in the metro area allows the company to deliver a complete suite of Ethernet-based offerings to area businesses.
“The Billings Public Library is proud to implement the first Learning Lab in the state, promoting discovery, creativity and critical thinking,” noted Leslie Modrow, development director of the Billings Public Library Foundation. “Thanks to Integra, we have a reliable technology solution that supports our mission of providing a margin of excellence for our library plus offer the expansion necessary to meet our community’s evolving needs.”
The Learning Lab will be named in Integra’s honor and be available for viewing during the dedication ceremony of the Library scheduled for February 1, 2014.
About the Learning Labs in Libraries and Museums Grant
TheInstitute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation started this grant program to support the planning and designing of up to 30 Learning Labs in libraries and museums throughout the country. The Labs are intended to engage middle- and high-school youth in mentor-led, interest-based, youth-centered, collaborative learning using digital and traditional media. These labs will help young people move beyond consuming content to making and creating it.
About Integra
Integra™ is one of the largest facilities-based providers of communication and networking services in the western United States. We connect businesses of all sizes with advanced networking, communications and technology solutions in 35 metropolitan markets. Integra owns and operates an enterprise-class network consisting of a 5,000 mile long-haul fiber-optic network, 3,000 miles of metropolitan fiber and a nationwide IP/MPLS network. Our fiber network connects directly to more than 2,300 enterprise buildings and data centers. Through our expansive Ethernet-over-copper footprint, we can deliver high-bandwidth services to more than 400,000 businesses. At Integra, we understand our customers need reliable, secure and flexible solutions delivered with unmatched expertise and quality of service. For more information, visit www.integratelecom.com.
PR Archives: Latest, By Company, By Date