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OneNet, Oklahoma's telecommunications and information network for education and government, is a Division of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education operated in cooperation with the Oklahoma Office of State Finance. |
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comprehensive network is unlike any other in the country - utilizing fiber
optics and wireless technologies to transmit video, voice and data throughout
Oklahoma, the nation and the world. OneNet is not a state-owned utility,
but rather a state lead partnership among telecommunications companies,
equipment manufacturers and service providers.
OneNet's origin began In 1992. It was at this time that voters in Oklahoma approved a statewide capital bond issue that provided $14 million for the implementation of a statewide telecommunications network. In late 1995, the State Regents approved the OneNet business plan and began implementation in 1996. Upon its implementation, OneNet focused on establishing the necessary hub sites throughout Oklahoma to provide the infrastructure necessary to support the high-speed telecommunications network. In addition, it moved aggressively to establish an equitable rate structure and enroll customers. OneNet's state-of-the-art technology and dedicated staff currently provide high-speed communications to a variety of Oklahoma entities such as: public and vocational-technical schools; colleges and universities; public libraries; local, tribal, state and federal governments; court systems; rural health care delivery systems; and programs engaged in research. The chart below details the impressive growth of OneNet. As of December, 2000, over 1,600 customers are served through OneNet.
This electronic linkage is made possible through a partnership between the State of Oklahoma and private telecommunications companies - enabling OneNet to negotiate reduced rates and utilize established, private communications networks. The result of this partnership is millions of dollars in savings to Oklahoma taxpayers as well as the rapid development of a telecommunications infrastructure that is one of the most comprehensive in the nation.
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