The North Carolina information highway

What is probably the most unique aspect of the North Carolina information highway is the spirit of cooperation that exists between the public and private sectors, as well as cooperation within each of those sectors. North Carolina initiated the first state-wide information highway to utilize asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switching and synchronous optical network (SONET) transmission equipment. Several trials have been conducted using ATM technology, but this is the first operational network to be deployed on such a large scale. The initial sites include hospitals, universities, community colleges, public schools, correctional facilities, and various administrative government locations. North Carolina requested that telephone companies within the state work together to develop a proposal for a comprehensive network that would not only serve state government applications, but the applications of current and prospective businesses in the state. This allows the state to share risks associated with building the first network of this type, and also places the responsibility for operations and upgrades with the telephone companies, so that their expertise in these areas can be utilized.<>