The state entity that operates a high-speed internet fiber backbone for public schools, libraries and other users is putting an increased focus on attracting business customers, as it grapples with a sizable budget cut.
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The state entity that operates a high-speed internet fiber backbone for public schools, libraries and other users is putting an increased focus on attracting business customers, as it grapples with a sizable budget cut.
The Connecticut Education Network (CEN), which has an approximately $5.9 million operating budget, saw its state appropriation cut from $2.9 million to $1.1 million for the fiscal year that began July 1.
As such, it was forced to start charging schools and libraries that previously received free services. With future state funding uncertain, CEN is aiming for a self-sustaining business model.
Another big change: CEN Director Scott Taylor, who has been with the organization since 2005, departed this month for a job in the private sector.
Speaking by phone on his last day at CEN, Taylor said he has faith Connecticut Education Network will persevere.
“There's always been a challenge, but this group has lost leaders in the past and been very resilient,” Taylor said.
CEN offers internet upload and download speeds ranging from 10 megabits per second up to 100 gigabits per second — an ultra-fast speed coveted by the likes of UConn and Jackson Laboratory. The fastest connection costs $10,000 a month.
CEN has been available to paying customers, including private businesses, since it accepted part of a $94 million federal stimulus grant in 2010 that helped it further build out its network.
But it's done very little marketing to business customers, something that will soon change, according to Brynn Deprey, CEN's communications manager.
CEN is planning a targeted approach with a modest goal of adding up to 10 new paying customers. Since its infrastructure is largely centered around schools, potential targets include entities that interact with schools in some way.
“We are very much ready to start this process of growth and start approaching businesses more,” Deprey said.
For example, CEN recently approached the developers of a proposed makerspace in Hartford's Colt Building. Bryan Patton said he hopes to offer one-gigabit service from CEN, should the makerspace get up and running.
CEN has approximately 10 full-paying customers, including Jackson Lab, the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, Mystic Aquarium and Milford cloud service and IT provider Digital Back Office Data Center.
– Matt Pilon
