NZ completes schools fast internet project

The New Zealand Government has completed the project to connect schools with state-funded broadband connections.

A total of 2431 schools across the nation are now connected to the NZ$211 million N4L Managed Network, which will provide fast, uncapped internet services for students and teachers.

The network is being used by more than 789,000 students and teachers, New Zealand Education Minister Hekia Parata said.

“This was a very successful project given it involved a large-scale rollout that was completed ahead of schedule and within budget,” she said.

“I’d like to acknowledge the N4L team who embraced the project with passion and commitment, and were very responsive to the needs of individual schools. Young people today are globally connected like never before, and it’s important we equip them to become confident, connected, lifelong learners.”

The vast majority of schools are connected to the N4L Managed Network using fibre, but wireless and satellite technologies are being used for locations were there is no fibre available. The New Zealand state Ultrafast Broadband project was designed to provide fibre broadband to 75% of the population.

With the rollout complete, N4L will turn its attention to enhancing services and developing new digital platforms to help schools get the most out of their connections.