Increasing internet speeds in Qld schools

The Queensland Government has invested $190 million to make school internet speeds 200 times faster.

Under a partnership with Telstra, $110 million will be spent on exchange upgrades, benefiting communities and businesses in hundreds of regional and remote areas.

Work is already underway, with upgrades rolling out from the start of next term and hundreds of schools set to benefit in the coming months.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the deal was a win-win for state schools and their communities.

“We know how important the internet has become in our modern society, from our workplaces to our homes and in our schools for our children’s education and futures,” she said.

“This investment will mean internet speeds across every single one of our 1258 state schools will be 200 times faster as well as faster speeds for their communities.

“This will ensure teachers and students have access to the latest digital technologies and tools for their classrooms: everything they need for a world-class education.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said the first phase of the contract would increase average internet speeds 40 times to all schools by the end of next year, and 200 times in 2026.

“Around 40 schools will be connected to fibre optic for the first time, and our more isolated communities will not be left behind. Newer technologies like Next Generation Satellites will be used to deliver faster internet where terrestrial options are less practical,” Minister Grace said.

Telstra Enterprise Chief Customer Officer John Ieraci said the project would deliver world-class connectivity and education opportunities to Queensland students and local communities.

“We know that digital inclusion for school kids is one of the most important drivers when it comes to positive education outcomes,” Ieraci said.

“As a result of these upgrades, students from even the most remote parts of Queensland will have access to quality, high-speed connectivity, and will get to enjoy all the opportunities that come with it.”

Minister Grace said the partnership also allowed for the introduction of technologies that don’t yet exist.

“While we are securing the best technology currently available from Telstra, we have futureproofed this deal too: as new technologies emerge that can provide an even better service, we can incorporate these into the contract.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/alunablue