September 17, 2009 -- Horizon Telcom, a broadband provider of advanced data services in eight southern Ohio counties, announced the selection of Corning Cable Systems as supplier of optical fiber cable for the Southern Ohio Health Care Network (SOHCN).
According to a press release, the SOHCN project will connect 120+ health care facilities to a fiber optic network allowing area providers to participate in telemedicine initiatives, progressive community health record projects, and a regional health information organization. Likewise, use of the network is expected to enhance sustainability of rural medical practices, develop deeper collaboration among health care providers, and enhance emergency communications.
Through its authorized distribution channel, KGP Logistics, Corning Cable Systems will supply its Enhanced ALTOS gel-free optical fiber cables for the deployment. The ALTOS gel-free cables are lightweight, designed for duct and aerial installation, and provide optical and mechanical performance over a wide temperature range.
In addition to its cable and hardware solutions, Corning Cable Systems was the chosen manufacturer based on value-added components such as design support, deployment expertise, OSP cost-modeling tools, and formalized training classes, says Horizon Telcom. The broadband provider's fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployments are already part of the Corning Connected Community Program, which is designed to support developers as they market homes with FTTH technology to home buyers.
"Corning is humbled by the opportunity to be part of a broadband expansion with the potential to improve health care services for so many people," comments Bernhard Deutsch, director of marketing and market development for Corning Cable Systems. "We look forward to future collaborations with Horizon that connect communities of all kinds with state-of-the-art communication infrastructures."
Nearly 60 to 75 percent of SOHCN's 34-county area has no access to broadband, making the already difficult task of rural economic development even more challenging. Small business innovation, telemedicine, and distance learning opportunities remain out of reach for a region that includes the state's 10 poorest counties and all of Appalachia Ohio's at-risk and distressed counties. The fiber optic technology from Corning Cable Systems and Horizon Telcom will serve communities in Adams, Athens, Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton counties.
"We're excited to have this opportunity to deploy Corning's top-quality fiber optic cable as the backbone of our new network," adds Bill McKell, Horizon CEO. "This fiber optic network will virtually 'future-proof' these communities, allowing the businesses and organizations as well as the health care providers in each community to access state-of-the-art broadband services.
On the Web:
www.corning.com/cablesystems
www.horizontel.com
www.sohcn.org
