History
OneNet’s History
The Oklahoma legislature formulated the beginnings of OneNet’s network in the early 1990s. The root idea was to successfully and efficiently connect schools in Oklahoma. Legislators proposed creating one integrated state network that would maximize state-owned and commercial infrastructures. The result would lead to a public-private partnership and would create cost savings for the state. This model led to the creation of OneNet as a division of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
When we became operational in 1996, OneNet started with a hub-and-spoke network. Today OneNet is taking a leap to stay on the leading edge of technology by upgrading our network to 400G. The 400G capacity will enable OneNet to provide higher-speed services at hub sites throughout the state. Looking to the future, the newly deployed network equipment will enable OneNet to eventually support upgrades to 800G and 1.6T as technology evolves over the coming years.
Take a look at our historical timeline to see how OneNet has progressed over the years. We would love to hear your stories about our timeline events. Share your story by emailing us at communications@onenet.net.
Historical Timeline
1971
1971
Statewide Talk-Back Television System is established and operated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
Early 90’s
Early 90’s
Legislators form concept for an integrated state network maximizing state-owned and commercial infrastructures
1992
1992
Capital bond issue provides $14 million to implement a comprehensive, statewide network
1995
1995
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approve OneNet business plan
1996
1996
Initial statewide deployment and implementation of OneNet
1997
1997
Latimer County General Hospital sends first digital X-ray and CT scans through OneNet
1998
1998
Joins the Great Plains Network
1998
1998
Transmits 1,000 videoconferences every week
1999
1999
Begins providing Internet2 connectivity for Oklahoma’s research institutions
1999
1999
Joins The Quilt
2002
2002
Deploys a $1.7 million network bandwidth upgrade
2002
2002
Internet2 becomes available to all higher education institutions, as well as CareerTech centers, K-12 schools and libraries
2004
2004
Joins the National LambdaRail, a network with capacities 873,000 times faster than residential internet
2006
2006
Invests $8.1 million in routing, switching and optical network upgrade
2008
2008
Forms OneOklahoma Cyberinfrastructure Initiative - OneOCCI- with OU and OSU to increase research computing.
2009
2009
Receives an USDA Rural Utilities Services distance learning and telemedicine grant to expand videoconferencing capabilities
2011
2011
Implements a $7.8 million network upgrade with MPLS capabilities
2012
2012
First in the nation to connect to Internet2’s 100Gbps upstream optical network
2013
2013
The Oklahoma Community Anchor Network becomes operational, creating a 1,005-mile optical fiber ring around the state
2015
2015
Deploys a 100Gbps ring to support big data movement for Oklahoma’s research universities
2017
2017
Leverages network for Oklahoma State University’s Project ECHO, connecting rural physicians across Oklahoma
2017
2017
Begins hosting K20 Center educational video games for students across Oklahoma
2019
2019
Completes state-of-the art data center upgrade
2020
2020
Receives first of six National Science Foundation grants to expand the OneOklahoma Friction Free Network
2020
2020
Provides content filtering for 50,000 hotspots at no-cost to K-12 schools during the pandemic
2020
2020
Quickly expands Zoom service offerings to support virtual learning during the pandemic
2020
2020
Forms Midsouth U.S. Internet Exchange – MUS-IX to increase regional connectivity
2021
2021
Partners with Oklahoma higher education institutions to create virtual reality learning modules
2023
2023
Rolls out rebrand and new tagline – Oklahoma’s research and education network
2023
2023
Celebrates 10th anniversary of the Oklahoma Community Anchor Network
2024
2024
Over the last 12 years, reinvests more than $130 million statewide through public-private partnerships with last-mile providers
2024
2024
Receives sixth annual SOC2 Type II audit of data center services
2025
2025
Deploys 400G research core upgrade
2026
2026
OneNet’s 30th Anniversary!