Probe Milestone Extend Regional Broadband Coverage

Probe Milestone To Extend Regional Broadband Coverage

An agreement to extend broadband to schools and communities in seven regions was signed today by the Government and Telecom as part of Project PROBE.

An agreement to extend broadband to schools and communities in seven regions was signed today by the Government and Telecom as part of Project PROBE.

Project PROBE aims to roll out broadband to all schools and surrounding communities as a means of boosting educational and economic opportunities in the regions.

Agreement has been reached for extending broadband in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne-Hawke’s Bay, Otago, Taranaki, Manawatu-Wanganui, Wellington/Kapiti/Horowhenua and West Coast PROBE regions.

“Demand for high-speed Internet is rapidly increasing as well as the capability to make use of the technology,” General Manager Sales Regions Dudley Enoka said.

“Broadband will help students become digitally literate as well as providing access to new learning tools such as video conferencing and virtual tours of museums and galleries.”

There will also be opportunities for schools to share resources online and it will assist with professional development for teachers.

In addition to providing broadband coverage to schools there will also be benefits for local communities and businesses as broadband reaches more remote areas.

“We’re looking forward to working with local representatives from the regions to further explore how they can make use of the technology to drive economic development.”

Using a combination of Telecom’s wired and BCL’s wireless technology, Telecom will extend broadband in the regions.

Nationally, broadband coverage is now more than 90% of lines and Telecom will extend broadband to more than 95% at the end of year with the completion of PROBE contracts and other work.

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