CharterCARE first R.I. health facility in fiber-optic network

PROVIDENCE – A new fiber-optic network that will serve to connect hospitals across Rhode Island was “lighted” at CharterCARE Health System on June 11.

CharterCARE is the first Rhode Island health care facility to connect with the Beacon 2.0 network, made possible through a federal stimulus grant of $27 million and $10 million in private investment. When finished, the 358-mile fiber-optic-cable network will connect colleges, hospitals, universities, courts, state and local government and schools and libraries.

The new fiber network will enable the movement of digital imaging in real-time between medical professionals. It will also support medical research by connecting hospitals and universities on a dedicated high-capacity network providing faster data transfer and connectivity.

Participants in the ceremony included CharterCARE Health System, Rhode Island’s entire congressional delegation and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth H. Roberts. •