Marne Elk Horn Telephone has installed Adtran’s Total Access 5000 broadband platform as it upgrades its network in Southern Iowa from copper plant to fiber-to-the-home (FTTH).

In addition to residential and business customers, the service provider is connecting local school districts, which now have access to the high-speed, ultra broadband service needed to implement a 1:1 student laptop program, as well as enhance in-class learning opportunities with the availability of IPTV in every classroom.

“Our students have been able to gain a deeper understanding of concepts by use of video and other technology we previously did not have. The teachers are able to give students a broader view of the world by integrating current events into the lessons through IPTV and DVR capability,” said Dean Schnoes, superintendent, Exira-EHK Community Schools. “The technology provided by Marne Elk Horn Telephone and Adtran helps us give students a high-level education that enhances our teaching opportunity both in the classroom and at home with our 1:1 laptop initiative, where each student has independent access to a computer and Internet resources.”

James Bieker, central office installer, Marne Elk Horn Telephone, said, “With Adtran, we have been able to help young people receive a better education and assist our business customers increase revenue which enables them to provide local residents with more jobs. Our FTTH service has allowed our community to stay economically competitive with larger cities and towns in Iowa while continuing to enjoy the benefits of rural living.”