Page 26 - AASBO The EDGE Summer 2022

SPRING CONFERENCE WRAP-UP

BY DON HARRIS
Derek Masseth
How Sun Corridor Network Can Help K-12 Schools

Sun Corridor Network, which can provide the Internet, a Point of Presence is an access point
AASBO members with a pathway to expanded from one place to the rest of the Internet.
networking services, is a not-for-profit network
connectivity provider that focuses on the distinct Customers can connect to Sun Corridor POPs
needs of Arizona’s education community. via local loops provided by telecommunications
vendors in their area. Sun Corridor Network
In a breakout session at AASBO’s Spring works with nearly all telecommunications vendors
Conference, Derek Masseth, Executive Director in Arizona to provide these local connections.
of Sun Corridor Network, said its mission is: The network accelerates the enhancement of
“To bridge of digital divide.” Founded in 2013 broadband infrastructure and enhances economic
by ASU, UofA and NAU, it serves K-12 schools, growth and quality of life in rural areas throughout
universities, community and vocational colleges, Arizona.
libraries, and research and education networks
throughout the world. Masseth explained that smart highway corridors
will enable the Arizona Department of
Masseth, who has spent 20-plus years in Transportation to install more than 500 miles of
networking higher education, explained that broadband conduit and fiber optic cable along
Sun Corridor Network is a mission-focused designated highway segments throughout rural
connectivity provider and the gateway to areas of the state. Designated areas include
Internet2, the fastest, most advanced network Interstate 17 between Pjoenix and Flagstaff, I-19
for higher education in the U.S, offering links between Tucson and Nogales, and I-40 from the
to K-20/libraries, museums, municipalities and New Mexico to California borders across Arizona.
most public sector entities.
“Eduroam, a global wireless network access
“We are educators and learners helping educators service, initially was developed for the
and learners,” Masseth said, “providing access to international research and education community,
the resources of Arizona’s universities. We put allowing researchers, faculty, and staff seamless
the capital N in Networking. We can assist with wireless access at all participating institutions,”
transition to digital, tutoring, distance instruction, Masseth said. “Sun Corridor Network is now
virtual field trips, and access to scientific working with school districts and libraries to
instruments as well as the rest of the Internet.” extend this functionality to all learners and
educators in Arizona. We are enablers.”
The Sun Corridor Network serves schools
throughout Arizona from POPs (Point of Sun Corridor Network is a mission-aligned
Presence) in Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson. On network and technology partner that offers digital
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26 THE EDGE SUMMER 2022