Is the broadband connection going to use fiber optics?
We are currently not sure which mechanisms (e.g., fiber optics, copper, etc.) will be used to create the broadband connections; it will depend on the winning bids for each part of the network. A satellite component is also expected to be created, the prime purpose of which is redundancy (in the case of disruption from natural disasters, etc.,) but it will also be available as the sole connection to sites where terrestrial broadband is not available or is prohibitively expensive. The CTN will take advantage of existing fiberoptic infrastructure and as new fiberoptic links become available through the carriers, the new work will seamlessly be rerouted over them. The benefits of membership in the CTN are that CTN will serve as an “honest broker” to connect sites with value-added health services such as clinical consultants; access to a suite of donated and commercial services available to network members including patient education, professional continuing education for the academic healt
