House approves $150,000 appropriation for UVa-Wise

A $150,000 appropriation by the U.S. House of Representatives, if approved by the Senate and signed by President Obama, will allow The University of Virginia’s College at Wise to implement a new communication system using Voice Over Internet Protocol.

The new VoIP system will provide the College with enhanced messaging capabilities, teleconferencing services and greater distance-learning opportunities.

“The federal funds will enable UVa-Wise to purchase and install a new communications system using the most up-to-date communications technology,” U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher said in a news release.

The telephone system will use broadband networking and will add emergency messaging capabilities and other critical features. The College’s Emerging Technologies Learning Center will serve as a model and will demonstrate this new technology.

“Our aim is to help businesses and organizations in our region make better operational use of the extensive broadband network resources available to them,” said Keith Fowlkes, vice chancellor for information technology and chief information officer for UVa-Wise. “UVa-Wise is very excited about implementing VoIP technology on our campus.”

Congressman Boucher has been instrumental in the development of the broadband network the new VoIP will utilize. The network was built with the assistance of $4.6 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce through its Economic Development Administration granted at the congressman’s request.

“I am pleased that the U.S. House of Representatives has agreed to my request to fund the new VoIP telecommunications system at UVa-Wise,” Boucher said. “Students and faculty will broadly benefit from the enhanced telecommunications services.”

For more information, contact the Office of College Relations at 276-328-0130.

Posted July, 28 2009