Foundation Telecommunications, Inc. (FTI) Rural Satellite Broadband Tapped to Help Schools, University, Libraries, and Agencies Close Digital Divide

Foundation Telecommunications, Inc. (FTI) Rural Satellite Broadband Tapped to Help Schools, University, Libraries, and Agencies Close Digital Divide

TIPS/TAPS Purchasing Coop Makes FTI Internet and VoIP Services Available Across 45 States

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Nov. 30, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Foundation Telecommunications, Inc. (FTI) announced that the TIPS/TAPS purchasing consortium has selected it to provide broadband Internet and VoIP (voice-over-IP) services to member educational entities and government agencies. TIPS/TAPS made the award through a competitive bid process.

The FTI proprietary two-way satellite service is uniquely engineered to provide reliable high-speed Internet and telephone services to rural geographically isolated schools, libraries and other government agencies unable to contract for Internet services from other providers.

FTI's satellite installations are multi-purpose educational telecommunications gateways for rural schools that deliver immediate access to Internet, free long distance telephone calls and educational television programming. The FTI satellite Internet installation is capable of providing telephone service through its "Foundation Fone" VoIP technology with free long distance calls throughout the US. In addition, the installation also provides access to the eight channels of SCOLA educational foreign broadcast services that are currently viewed by over ten million students nationwide.

Kim Thompson, TIPS/TAPS Cooperative Coordinator says of the award, "TIPS/TAPS is very excited about the partnership created with FTI as a leading national vendor for Internet Services. Our purpose is to offer a cooperative program that can provide substantial savings and best value for TIPS/TAPS Members and we believe FTI will help us achieve our purpose."

"Now with FTI's service, even the most geographically isolated rural schools, libraries and government agencies can gain Internet service that is equal or better than that enjoyed by their big city counterparts," said George Livergood, President of FTI. "The FTI multi-function satellite gateway will finally bridge the digital divide inherent in rural America's access to state-of-the-art telecommunications resources."

TIPS/TAPS is available for use by all public and private schools, colleges, universities, cities, counties and other government entities in 45 states. Participation of government entities will provide the legally required competition for contracts for commonly purchased items, thereby saving the individual government agency the cost of going through the competitive process.

About Foundation Telecommunications, Inc.

Founded in 1979, Foundation Telecommunications, Inc. provides International innovative telecommunications network solutions using leading edge technologies with a "customer first priority". FTI integrates total digital solutions incorporating the most appropriate technologies whether satellite, fiber, laser or wireless for the most appropriate customer solutions. From providing wireless MESH communications from deep in an Appalachian coal mine to the rest of the world to geographically remote automated high-performance wireless "Hot Spots", FTI is on the leading edge. For more information on FTI please visit http://www.ftionline.com.

About TIPS/TAPS

The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS/TAPS) is a purchasing support group for Government Entities and Schools in 45 states. For more information visit http://www.tips-usa.com/

About SCOLA

SCOLA is a non-profit educational organization that receives and re-transmits television programming from around the world in native languages. SCOLA also provides other language learning content on this Web site. Universities, Colleges, K-12 schools, cable systems, government language schools and individuals use SCOLA content for current news, language study and cultural enhancement. SCOLA content is available via satellite, the Internet and through participating cable providers. For more information on SCOLA visit http://www.scola.org or call (712) 566-2202 and speak with one of our helpful employees.

CONTACT:

George Livergood         

President/CEO         

Foundation Telecommunications, Inc.         

+1.800-833-3353         

glivergood@ftionline.com