AT&T builds network for Kentucky schools

AT&T Inc. has finished installing a statewide network that will bring high-bandwidth broadband services and Internet access to school districts throughout Kentucky.

The $140 million service will be provided through the company's existing information highway contract with the Kentucky Education Cabinet, AT&T said.

The project establishes virtual private network services for state school operations and connects 174 school districts in 120 counties. A key feature of the system is that it will also allow students and teachers to access information from post-secondary institutions in the state.

The network services plan will enable analysis and improvement of student test scores online using Web-based diagnostic tools and the development of electronic individual-learning plans for more than 300,000 students, AT&T said.

Using AT&T network services, Kentucky also is building a K-12 data warehouse intended to serve as a one-stop shop for assessment data, curriculum guidance and instructional tools that students, parents, teachers and administrators can access.

AT&T of San Antonio, ranks No. 67 on Washington Technology's 2007 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.