Windstream donates telecommunications equipment

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Mark Indelicato

Windstream, a national provider of advanced network communications, has donated $150,000 in Allworx Internet Protocol-based phones and phone systems to RIT to help train students on the latest telecommunications switching equipment.

Windstream’s donation includes server equipment, voice-over-Internet Protocol—also referred to as VoIP—telephones, and hardware and software for VoIP and mobile technologies. The equipment is installed in the REDCOM Telecommunications Lab in RIT’s College of Applied Science and Technology.

“As the industry relies more on IP-based and mobile technologies, the need for new equipment is critical to keep the curriculum we offer RIT students current,” said Mark Indelicato, professor in RIT’s electrical computer and telecommunications engineering technology department. “Experimenting with this technology in the lab is one of the best ways to prepare our students with a competitive edge as they enter the telecommunications field after graduation.”

Allworx, a Windstream company, develops award-winning VoIP-unified communications systems for small- to medium-sized businesses, not-for-profit and government organizations. Also located in Rochester, Allworx employs several RIT alumni to design and engineer its products. The company made a similar equipment donation to the university six years ago.

“Our Allworx team includes some of the brightest minds in the industry, producing phones and phone systems used by more than 15,000 customers across the country,” said Chris Hasenauer, vice president and general manager of Allworx. “RIT students are some of the best and brightest in the telecommunications field and deserve experience with communications technology that customers trust.”