Foundation Telecommunications, Inc., (FTI) recently announced the contract award by Correctional Cable TV, Inc. a subsidiary of Classic Communications, Inc., for the installation of two fully integrated digital video uplink facilities, electronic distance learning origination studios and 28 classroom downlink facilities to be located throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Satellite Education Network (SEN), an innovation of Correctional Cable TV, Inc., is the newest technology applied to distance learning programming in correctional centers throughout the United States. The network utilizes fully interactive technology to provide real-time educational broadcasts in a cost-effective delivery model that provides high quality educational programming in essential areas of instruction. 
Ron Schaeffer, Vice President Correctional Cable TV, Inc. has selected Foundation Telecommunications, Inc. as FTI will provide all required licensing and full turnkey installation of the two digital video uplink and studio facilities; one located in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania and one in Las Vegas, Nevada. Each uplink facility utilizes an MPEG1/MPEG2 encoding system provided by Wegener Communications, Inc. The distance learning origination studios are equipped with IP based interactive communications equipment for interaction between students and the instructor.  FTI is also providing digital transponder time on Telstar 5 required for this distance learning application. 
President/CEO of FTI, George Livergood, stated, 'The unique application of the combination of Internet and digital satellite maximizes the strengths of each technology and is the key to the success of this network application. Satellite technology is at its best broadcasting from a central point to multiple points. Conversely, the Internet is best at providing communications from multiple points to a single point or server. The mix of both of these technologies results in a network that is more cost effective from a day-to-day operational perspective while providing unparalleled overall network capabilities for distance-learning.'' 
Each downlink facility is equipped with a classroom environment including televisions, MPEG1/MPEG2 digital decoder and the IML wireless interactive response system for up to thirty (30) students. All downlink equipment is provided, including all maintenance and upgrades at no cost as a part of the annual SEN subscription. The IML interactive response system not only allows for 'keypad'' data transmission of real-time student response to the instructor but interactive voice communications as well. This allows the instructor to track the progress of students, classrooms, individual instructor assigned demographic profiles, as well as, speak with students through the use of the wireless hand-held response units.