SBC wins Oklahoma school district contract

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- SBC Communications won Thursday a contract to providing networking services to the Enid public schools system in Oklahoma.

Under the five-year contract SBC will provide the Enid district with Internet and Ethernet access, which will allow the school system to expand its distance-learning programs.

"To support our rapid growth and to meet state requirements, we were in need of a provider that could equip us with the tools needed to succeed," Michael King, director of information technology at the Enid public schools, said in a news release. The deal "will provide us with a flexible solution that will not only meet our immediate needs but also allow for future capabilities as we continue to grow," he added.

"Our networking services will enable (the school system) to provide students with new applications and distance learning opportunities, and will set the foundation for future adoption of services like (Internet protocol) telephony," stated Chuck Rudnick, president of business communications services at SBC Southwest.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.