Northland’s High-Speed Fiber Network Creates Efficiencies and
Learning Innovations for Utica City School District

(Utica, NY – May 23, 2011) – The Utica City School District has completed an upgrade to its district-wide telecommunications network, which will result in more cost-efficient operations, as well as open the door to new inventive educational opportunities for students.

According to Utica City School District Superintendent James Willis, the district’s old network was inadequate in terms of capacity and bandwidth, and was in need of a major upgrade to keep pace with the growing technology needs of the school system.

“Most of our schools were limited to 100 megabits of bandwidth, and were maxing out on a regular basis,” said Willis. “The new network operates on 10 gigabits of bandwidth, a significant increase that will allow us to better support our students and staff.”

In February of 2010, the Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued by Madison-Oneida BOCES for the telecommunications project, which was financed through a $187 million capital project fund for technology; the second largest grant of its kind in New York State. The money was provided primarily by the state, with some funds coming from the federal government.

In response to the RFP, the district teamed up with Northland Communications, a local company specializing in voice and data communications to develop the network upgrade. Northland proposed creating a private wide-area data network that is reliable and redundant at a reasonable cost.

Design for the communications superhighway began in July of 2010 and construction soon followed in December of that same year to connect the high school, two middle schools, nine elementary schools, support buildings and the Underground Café in Downtown Utica. “We installed about 25 miles of aerial and buried fiber optic cable to create the network,” said Lance Cummings, director of operations for Northland Communications.

According to Cummings, constructing the network also involved the acquisition of necessary right-of-way clearances from Verizon and National Grid to hang the fiber on the existing poles, as well as making arrangements for the installation of underground cables. Northland was able to accomplish this project using its own team of outside cable plant experts from the local community. The new fiber optic system, which allows information to travel on the network at more than 10 times the maximum speed of conventional copper wiring, was completed by its April 1, 2011 deadline.

“Working with Northland on this project was a very positive experience,” said Willis. “They delivered on everything they promised, completed the project on time, and were great communicators. I also like that they are a local company; part of our community.”

From an operations standpoint, Willis explained that the new network will be cost-effective in terms of equipment and management. “There are several operational areas that will be centralized because of the advanced network’s capabilities; eliminating multiple servers and reducing management time,” he said. These areas include building security, as well as the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. At the same time, it will broaden the abilities of the district’s television studio, allow for implementation of virtual desktops for staff, and eventually manage the district’s telephone system.

Yet, Willis is most enthusiastic about the learning innovations that are now possible for the district’s 10,000 students through this new telecommunications network.

“Our district is extremely diverse, primarily due to Utica being a refuge settlement center. Our students come from 35 countries and speak 42 languages,” noted Willis.  “We need to be able to create a bond with all of our students to enhance their learning experience.”  He continued: “As educators we have to be innovative. Not every student learns best in a traditional classroom environment. The education landscape is ever-changing and we have to reorganize how we deliver the learning experience. We need to move forward and challenge the status quo. Advanced communications technology will get us there by providing the ability to reach students differently, on different timelines and with different methods.”

An important goal, among the district’s many, is to provide students with their own laptop; creating the opportunity to continue learning outside of school. The ability to have one-on-one computing for each student is something the district would not have had the capability to do without this new network. Willis envisions the district’s buildings serving as wireless hubs, permitting internet access, for students while at home.

The expansion of cost-saving distance learning by having smart boards in classrooms is another initiative. Streaming video allows teachers to educate and interact with students in several locations across the district. Already, there are digital textbooks available and online curriculums that provide students with the ability to learn at their own pace. 

Willis added that network will enhance specialized educational opportunities at the Underground Café, which hosts GED programs and newcomer programs for people, 17-21 years old, with limited English skills.

“I’m excited about what this leading-edge technology means for education, not only for today, but for the future.”

Northland Communications President Jim McCarthy echoed those sentiments: “This school district now has one of the most advanced technological systems in regards to bandwidth, which will allow them to bring the world back to Utica City School District as they educate their students. Connecting the schools and buildings with this state-of-the-art network will also maximize efficiency in their operation systems; resulting in cost-savings.”

In addition, McCarthy reported that Northland is expanding its network in order to provide advanced networking solutions for its business customer base. By the end of the third quarter, Northland will have cut more than 125 customers onto the new fiber network. With these add-ons, Northland will have more than 40 miles of fiber deployed throughout the Mohawk Valley.

“Northland Communications is building the infrastructure of the future, and in the process, bolstering education, healthcare facilities, manufacturing, government, retail, service organizations and financial institutions,” added McCarthy. “Our roots are in the Mohawk Valley and we are committed to providing the technology that is the backbone to economic growth and revitalization.”

Northland Communications is a local, privately owned company that provides local dial tone, long distance, high speed internet, voice & data solutions, telephone systems and structured cabling. For more information please contact Mary DeTraglia at (315) 624-2000.