Broadband for more local schools
There was great news last week with the announcement that a further 11 local schools will have access to ultra-fast broadband by July next year.
This is in addition to a range of schools in Kapiti and Horowhenua who are already in line for a broadband upgrade over the next 15 months,
Last year I visited Chorus technicians upgrading one of 35 roadside cabinets near Levin getting ready for the rural broadband rollout to schools.
It’s good to see this work underway, as upgrading to ultra-fast broadband will provide fantastic opportunities for students, parents, teachers, and all those involved with the school communities.
The ability to connect quickly with other schools and the wider world is extremely important, and the skills that students will develop as a result will set them up well for future education and employment.
Teachers will also gain faster access to a greater variety of resources, and will be able to share ideas with others in New Zealand and around the world.
By the end of 2015, nearly all schools and students will receive UFB enabling speeds of 100 megabits per second. This is up to 10 times faster than current speeds.
Knowing how quick my own kids are to adapt to new technologies, I’m sure these students will make the most of the great opportunities that come with ultra-fast broadband connection.
This is yet another vital infrastructure development for our region and I’m looking forward to visiting schools to see how broadband is transforming the way our kids learn.
The schools to receive ultra-fast broadband through the latest announcement are:
• Fairfield School
• Horowhenua College
• Kapanui School
• Kapiti School
• Kenakena School
• Paraparaumu Beach School
• Paraparaumu College
• Paraparaumu School
• St Patrick’s School (Paraparaumu)
• Waikanae School
• Waiopehu College
