Telecom Joins Government To Open Opportunities

TELECOM JOINS GOVERNMENT TO OPEN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

Telecom is welcoming the chance to team up with Government to open up the internet and information technology to more New Zealanders, Telecom General Manager Government and Industry Relations Bruce Parkes said today.

Telecom is playing a key role in helping get two new high-tech educational pilot projects off the ground, in partnership with the Government and other businesses.

“This project will let students experience the benefits of information technology, regardless of their backgrounds or where they live.

“Today’s signing of a partnership protocol is a step towards spreading the digital revolution to communities who might otherwise miss out on the full benefits.”

To help with the Far North project, Telecom is fast-tracking its investment in telecommunications infrastructure in Northland to enable more data and voice capacity on its backbone network.

“We will be tapping into this new infrastructure to provide faster and better access to the Internet for 10 Northland secondary schools,” Mr Parkes said.

Telecom is also playing a key role in the Government’s Study Support Centres project. This project aims to extend information and communications technology (ICT) based learning beyond the classroom, for school students and for the wider community.

“Boosting the Internet capability of three Study Support Centres in Christchurch and Southland will give students on-line learning experiences after school that they would not otherwise have had.

“We see wider benefits in this project. The Study Support Centres should be a community asset and we hope communities will make the most of the new Internet opportunities we’re making available.

“Telecom strongly believes the telecommunications industry has a role to play to help create digital opportunities.

“These projects have the potential to open up to a lot more people exciting and innovative ways of doing things, of learning and inspiring and of seeing the world and New Zealand,” Mr Parkes said.

Telecom has a good track record in this area. It has contributed over $70 million to help New Zealand schools access ICT resources and skills. Telecom has also supported the establishment of over 60 SeniorNet centres, where people aged over 50 can learn about computers and the Internet.

Telecom has also worked with the Government to set up a trial community Internet centre in Wairoa, which opened late last year.

ENDS

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