Stillwater Schools Go Hyperspeed with New Private Fiber Network

STILLWATER, Okla. – March 02, 2026 – Students and educators in Stillwater Public Schools (SPS) are now operating in the digital fast lane, thanks to the recent deployment of a new, private fiber optic network connecting every campus in the district. The project, completed by Vero Fiber Networks, represents a monumental leap in technological capability, providing the district with the high-speed, secure, and reliable infrastructure required for 21st-century learning.

A Digital Leap for Stillwater's Classrooms

The activation of the new network, which delivers speeds of 10 gigabits and beyond to all school sites, is the culmination of a strategic push by the district to enhance its technological resources. This infrastructure upgrade directly supports major district initiatives, including the "Pioneers Achieving and Connecting with Technology" (PACT) program. Launched in the 2023-24 academic year and funded by a community-supported bond, the PACT program aims to provide a one-to-one device ratio for students from first through twelfth grade.

With thousands of students and teachers now using devices simultaneously, the previous network infrastructure faced the risk of bottlenecks and slowdowns. The new private fiber network eliminates these concerns. A 10-gigabit connection provides the massive bandwidth needed to support data-intensive applications seamlessly. This includes everything from high-definition video streaming for virtual field trips and supplemental lessons to real-time collaborative projects on cloud-based platforms and the potential for future explorations into virtual and augmented reality learning environments.

For educators, this robust connectivity means less time spent troubleshooting slow connections and more time focused on instruction. For students, it ensures equitable access to a world of digital resources, regardless of which school they attend.

"This new private fiber network is a huge win for our district," said Bryan Bloomer, the district's Director of Technology. "Having dedicated, resilient 10 gigabit connections at every site helps safeguard daily operations by keeping our network resilient and sets us up to successfully support modern learning not just now, but for many years to come."

The New Standard for Educational Infrastructure

The move by Stillwater Public Schools reflects a broader national trend where high-speed internet is no longer seen as a luxury, but as a core utility essential for modern education. The project aligns with and even surpasses federal connectivity goals. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has long advocated for schools to have at least 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) of connectivity per 1,000 users. Stillwater's new 10 Gbps network places it at the forefront of K-12 connectivity, providing a powerful backbone for its roughly 6,000 students.

Beyond sheer speed, the strategic choice of a private fiber network offers three critical advantages: reliability, security, and scalability. Unlike shared public internet connections, a dedicated fiber ring provides superior stability and minimizes the risk of downtime, ensuring that critical learning tools and administrative systems are consistently available.

Security is another paramount concern for school districts, which handle vast amounts of sensitive student data. A private network gives the district greater control over its data traffic, creating a more secure environment that is less susceptible to external cyber threats. This enhanced security is a crucial component of digital stewardship in education today.

"A dedicated private fiber network is now an operational necessity for modern education," stated Mary White, SVP E-Rate Vertical at Vero Fiber Networks. "This new infrastructure provides the Stillwater Public Schools with the powerful, secure backbone it needs to deliver exceptional learning experiences, prepare students for a digital future, and ensure equitable access to educational resources across all its campuses."

Navigating the Competitive K-12 Connectivity Market

Vero Fiber Networks, which serves nearly 170 school districts across 18 states, is a significant player in the specialized market of providing network infrastructure to educational institutions. The company operates in a competitive landscape alongside other national providers like Zayo, all vying to help schools upgrade their digital foundations. Success in this sector often hinges on deep expertise in navigating the federal E-Rate program.

The E-Rate program, administered by the FCC, provides billions of dollars in discounts to eligible schools and libraries to make telecommunications and internet access more affordable. It is a critical funding mechanism that enables districts like Stillwater to undertake ambitious and otherwise cost-prohibitive infrastructure projects, including the construction of new fiber networks. Providers that understand the intricacies of the E-Rate application and compliance process are invaluable partners for school districts. Vero's creation of a senior executive role specifically for the E-Rate vertical underscores the program's central importance to its business model and the K-12 market at large.

By leveraging programs like E-Rate, districts can invest in top-tier infrastructure that levels the playing field and provides students with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. The successful deployment in Stillwater, which was tested and finalized in late 2025, serves as a case study for how public-private partnerships can effectively bridge the technological gap in education.

Future-Proofing Education for Decades to Come

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the new fiber network is its forward-thinking design. With educational bandwidth demands projected to grow exponentially year after year, building for today's needs is not enough. The Vero Fiber network was designed with this reality in mind, offering Stillwater the ability to scale its capacity up to 100G without requiring a costly and disruptive overhaul of the core infrastructure.

This "future-proofing" is a strategic investment that ensures the district's connectivity can evolve alongside pedagogical and technological advancements. As new digital learning platforms, more sophisticated software, and higher-bandwidth applications become standard, Stillwater's network will be ready to handle the load. This scalability protects the community's initial investment and provides a stable, long-term foundation for innovation.

The project is more than just an installation of cables and switches; it is a fundamental component of the district's long-term vision for student success. By securing a powerful and adaptable digital backbone, Stillwater Public Schools has ensured that its students and educators will have the resources they need to thrive in a connected world for the foreseeable future.