‘Project Gigabit’ is the government’s national mission to deliver lightning-fast, reliable broadband for everyone in the UK. The government are rolling out lots of investment in rural internet and fibre optics to aim to improve broadband nationwide, and in particular rural areas with current poor internet connection. Today we will be looking at the impact that the scheme will have on rural schools.
The statement from the Government
So far 3 schools have already been connected and a further 52 have signed contracts with work due to being completed in the coming weeks. The project currently looks set to be “delivered under budget” and thus more than 100 schools are ultimately expected to benefit by completion (currently there are said to be “ongoing discussions” with another 72 schools).
Naturally, all of these deployments are focused on communities that are not currently in any commercial roll-out plans for a “full-fibre” (Fibre-to-the-Premises) broadband network, which at present reflects most of England but the specific focus here is on rural areas (i.e. this is all reflective of the Government’s “outside-in” approach to deployment under the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review).
The obvious benefit here is that the schools end up becoming ultrafast “broadband hubs,” which can, in turn, be used to spread Gigabit connection speeds out to rural homes and businesses in the surrounding areas, often at a lower cost. In fact, that’s a key part of the new pilot but it’s too early to say precisely how many premises will benefit.
Which areas will benefit first?
In the initial pilot of the project, the areas that will benefit are; Cambridgeshire, Cornwall, Cumbria, Dorset, Durham, Essex, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Tees Valley. These are areas from the first phase and if successful it will be implemented throughout more rural areas.
How can unite 6 support your internet needs?
Unite 6 are experts in school internet and are always here to answer your questions however complicated they may be. But the basics of how we can help set you on the right path if you are eligible are here now.
If you are in any of the areas mentioned above and you are a rural school you should get in touch. We at unite 6 may be able to transform your internet. Most rural schools will be used to the sluggish internet and sometimes you simply can’t have a whole class on the internet at once.
Well with this upgrade can transform you onto lightning-quick broadband which will transform your lessons. Enabling you to use tablets and computers in regular lesson time efficiently and engage your class to improve the education that you give them. So if you are in one of these areas it would be silly not to at least enquire as you could transform your school.
For any more information don’t be afraid to get in touch with us at Unite 6.
