Faster internet speeds for regional schools

The rollout of fibre internet means public schools in regional NSW will now be better connected.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell visited Wattle Flat Public School in the state’s Central West to mark the final 12 public schools in NSW to now be connected to fibre internet.

“Partnering with Telstra has allowed us to move the remaining 12 public schools in NSW from satellite to fibre-optic cable, ensuring much faster internet speeds for students and teachers,” Toole said.

He said the government’s $328 investment was driving improved communications right across regional NSW.

“We are not just improving the connection to the world for our school kids but for entire communities. By investing in internet infrastructure to the school gate, we are bringing opportunity to previously disconnected communities.”

Mitchell said the NSW Government has spent hundreds of millions connecting regional schools to high-speed internet, upgrading classrooms with new hardware and providing students and staff with new computers.

“Improving the internet access in regional schools is not just about faster connectivity, but also about greater access to teaching and learning opportunities for students and staff,” she said.

“This upgrade has seen an improvement to internet speed that will enhance teachers’ lessons, but also the opportunity for reliable videoconferencing and professional development opportunities.”

Telstra Enterprise Public Sector Group Owner John Ieraci said the partnership was proof of Telstra’s commitment to investing in infrastructure across the country.

“In addition to the fibre rollout, this project has significantly upgraded the speed and capacity for more than 2200 schools, delivering new learning capabilities and opportunities for students across the state,” he said.

The NSW Government has also invested $365.8 million in the Rural Access Gap to close the digital divide. This investment is delivering learning devices to students and teachers, Smartboards and internet connectivity.

Image caption: Fast internet speeds open up a world of opportunity for the state’s public schools.