About Us
Connecticut Education Network (CEN) is part of the State’s secure “Nutmeg Network”, whose purpose is to deliver reliable, high-speed internet access, data transport, and value-added services to its members throughout Connecticut. Established in 2000 to integrate high speed fiber optics networks into institutions of education statewide, CEN is governed by the Commission for Education Technology.
CEN helps deliver on the promise of equality in education by providing access to technology that schools and libraries would not be able to afford on their own. This investment is supported by the State of Connecticut, private schools, nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education that are committed to the idea of overall improvement in education and broad support for access to technology. Eligible K-12 and libraries can also take advantage of E-rate funding. CEN is an E-rate service provider, our 498 ID (formerly SPIN) is: 143049066.
In an effort to remove barriers to technology, CEN supports “Open Access” use of the network, which allows any entity to join the network at a fair price. “Open Access” provides greater access for areas of the state from where it has been prohibitively expensive to obtain high-speed internet access and could include town-to-town sharing of databases and remote access to municipal applications.
CEN is CT’s research and education network and we represent CT at many regional and national meetings and in organizations such as NEREN, Global Noc, Internet2, The Quilt, SHLB and NERCOMP.
CEN’s office is located at 55 Farmington Avenue in Hartford.
Background & History
The CEN was established in 2000 with an important mission: ensure that students across the state have access to great technology and content on a network that will grow with them. Over the last 15 years, CEN has delivered on that promise. Through the use of federal broadband investments, state general funds, and customer payments, CEN has saved the state’s schools and libraries more than $50 million, when compared with the cost of procuring broadband access through commercial providers.
In addition, the CEN has supported economic development by expanding the reach of broadband across the state. As we built the education network, fiber providers installed additional strands of fiber to all corners of the state. This investment has lowered the cost to bring access to all our citizens and is used extensively to serve wireless cell towers in the state. The map of our fiber reach footprint is found below.
Vision
CEN will serve as the trusted partner through which Connecticut’s digital and human networks connect, collaborate, and share resources to realize the full potential of digital learning, research, and citizenry.
Mission
Empower our member institutions to execute their missions through technology, collaboration, and digital transformation with secure, reliable, and value-added advanced network and Internet solutions.
Values
| Member Focus | Provide a member focus that offers unmatched value through a unique appreciation of member needs as a true trusted partner based on a not-for-profit model. |
| Transparency | Be open in our processes, communication, and sharing of information to the membership and related stakeholder groups. |
| Integrity | Be honest and forthright in every way and consistent in our approach to doing the right things the right way. |
| Efficiency | Provide sustainable services efficiently and flexibly, using available resources. |
| Equity | Provide high-quality resources and products to all members for the benefit and growth of the statewide connected community. |
| Excellence | Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, innovation, flexibility, accountability, and superior member outcomes. |
Strategic Plan
The goals and strategies herein represent the needs of the community and the overall approach to what CEN must do to remain competitive and relevant (Goal 1), to differentiate itself from commercial counterparts and ensure continual alignment with our members (Goals 2-4), and to provide foundational support of the overall platform on which all other goals depend (Goal 5).
2019-2024 Goals
| Goal 1: Provide Value | Expand the service portfolio to provide value and enhance Internet and network capabilities at scale, heighten security, and increase the overall knowledge and understanding of those technologies and services. |
| Goal 2: Ignite Innovation | Empower members through a suite of services tailored to their needs that encourage excellence and innovation. |
| Goal 3: Foster Collaboration | Engage the local membership and national R&E community to provide technical and functional network services that serve the specific needs of CEN member communities. |
| Goal 4: Promote Advocacy | Pursue activities to enhance brand awareness such that members and policy decision makers are engaged in activities to help articulate CEN’s value proposition and impact public policy initiatives. |
| Goal 5: Enhance Core Resources | Pursue opportunities to leverage, develop, and enhance CEN’s core technology and human resources for the foundational success of the program in pursuit of member needs. |
