Contact Network proposes deploying a 550-mile broadband middle mile network throughout 12 economically distressed counties in the Mississippi Delta region, where community anchor institutions currently lack the bandwidth necessary to enable distance learning, telemedicine, and enhanced public safety applications. The Mississippi Delta Broadband Infrastructure Project intends to expand and enhance a fiber optic network in the region to enable up to 4 Gbps backhaul service, with 1 Gbps service available to local community anchor institutions. The project also proposes to connect 16 public school districts comprising the Delta Area Association for the Improvement of Schools to facilitate distance learning, video conferencing, and improved school security.