Computers for Rural America: Edgenics to Offer Low-Cost Broadband Service to New Markets
| Source: Edgenics
WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - September 16, 2009) - Speaking today to Members of Congress
attending a Mississippi Delta Grassroots Caucus Conference (www.mdgc.us) at
Dirksen Senate Office Building, Robert Dansby, CEO of Edgenics, announced
their "Computers for Rural America" Program. Edgenics, a provider of
broadband infrastructure and Value Added Services such as e-learning and
telemedicine offerings, announced its plan to bring comprehensive low-cost
broadband services to rural communities. Under its plan, Edgenics will
provide subscribers in rural areas with a complete solution that includes
Internet connectivity, a NetBook computer and related services at industry
leading pricing.
Having already deployed the first phase of a national broadband network
that will power innovative, video-centric services, interactive
distance-learning and other Web 2.0 applications, Edgenics has built a
reliable virtual broadband core network and co-located data-center
facilities with funding originally approved by USDA RUS in 2002. To
support its Computers for Rural America program, Edgenics will provide
broadband connectivity services as well as cost-leading digital access
devices that will provide the tools necessary for customers to access
broadband "pipes."
Robert Dansby, Ph.D., CEO of Edgenics, commented, "Our emerging deployment
of broadband in rural markets will create an amazing array of education,
job training and business development opportunities. In order for new
rural broadband subscribers to fully benefit from these broadband 'pipes,'
they will need both the connectivity AND low cost computers with which to
connect to the Internet. By deploying a quality broadband infrastructure,
we are positioned to offer services directly to rural consumers that they
have not had the opportunity to realize before. For example, envision a
person requiring specialized physician care who lives miles away from the
nearest physician, clinic or hospital. With the assistance of a local
nurse or physician's assistant, we can deliver critical healthcare support
to rural patients using our broadband network and specialized digital
diagnostic devices.
"Industry studies show that school participation increases dramatically
when students have the tools needed for self-discovery of their own
learning styles. Edgenics is a proven implementer of innovative
educational programs such as its Advanced Learning Skills Program, which
has been provided to students at the DuBois Scholars Institute at Princeton
University and the Promise Academy. Our missions are complementary with
those of schools and other community anchor institutions that are working
to improve educational outcomes. Together, we will make a significant
impact on the well-being of broadband users in Rural America."
Broadband for rural areas is highlighted in the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (ARRA) signed by President Obama earlier this year. The
Recovery Act provided a total of $7.2 billion to the Commerce Department's
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the
U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) to
accelerate broadband deployment in areas of the country that have been
without this high-speed infrastructure.
Dansby says that, "Broadband initiatives that are focused on deploying
broadband infrastructure and services in rural markets are an important
step forward. Our 'Computers for Rural America' Program will provide rural
residents and students with much needed digital access devices and other
resources."
About Edgenics
Edgenics is an e-learning company that focuses on providing innovative
technology-based learning solutions and services. Edgenics works closely
with its university partners and education professionals to provide
high-quality educational content and instructional resources. Edgenics
provides leading-edge interactive multimedia online distance-learning
services using integrated software, Internet and networking technologies.