Kentucky’s Next Generation Information Highway Has Arrived

The Commonwealth Office of Technology (COT) recently began a major initiative to upgrade Kentucky State Government’s communication network infrastructure. The existing network, referred to as the Kentucky Information Highway, or KIH1, was initially established in 1991. The new network will be called the Kentucky Information Highway — 2nd Generation, or KIH2. Like KIH1, KIH2 is a joint partnership between Kentucky and BellSouth, the prime provider, and includes numerous other network providers as subcontractors under BellSouth’s direction. The new KIH2 will offer expanded services, lower rates, improved reliability and superior performance.

Communication services currently provided under KIH1 include: long distance voice circuits; data circuits; 800 service; calling cards; contract management; single point of contact for provisioning (installation of new data circuits); and consolidated invoicing and problem resolution. KIH1 did not include Internet access as one of its services. The KIH2 contract, which was awarded in January 2005 after a lengthy RFP effort, will provide all these services and many more, including Internet access for state government. The new contract initially covers a five-year period and may be renewed annually for five additional years.

Full Story: http://www.govtech.net/news/news.php?id=94697