Seán Crowe
Ceist:128 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the percentage of schools currently connected to a broadband service with speeds greater than 1024 kbps. [15741/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 April 2007
Ceisteanna (128, 129, 130)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:129 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the person who was awarded the Smart Telecom contract to ensure broadband connection for over 1,000 schools. [15742/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeán Crowe
Ceist:130 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the amount spent to date in connecting schools to broadband; and the amount of additional money required to complete the task. [15743/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 to 130, inclusive, together.
Broadband internet connectivity is being rolled-out to all recognised primary and post-primary schools. This project is being undertaken in partnership with industry in the context of a Government — Telecommunications and Internet Federation (TIF) Agreement to provide local broadband connectivity to schools. The broadband connectivity is being provided via a Schools National Broadband Network supported by HEAnet, which will provide managed Internet access, email, security controls, content filtering and other services designed to enhance the educational process. A Broadband Support Service Desk has also been established to assist schools with advice and information relating to the roll-out and ongoing use of their broadband connectivity within the schools network. Over €18m has been invested in the project since its commencement.
The bandwidth provided to schools is based on a tiering system that recognises that larger schools (with more students) require more bandwidth than smaller schools. Approximately 59% of schools currently connected with a broadband service have a bandwidth greater than 1024 kbps.
Following a competitive public procurement process, contracts were finalised in June 2005 by the Department of Education and Science with six service providers for the provision of local broadband access to 3,925 schools. The count of the number of schools countenanced under this arrangement has since been amended to take into account the effect of a number of school closures, amalgamations and new opening and stands currently at 3,940. Smart Telecom was one of the six service providers selected.
Roll out of the local connectivity and router installation commenced in June 2005. As of 23rd April, 3,796 schools have had their local connectivity installed. Smart Telecom has completed connection to 1,178 of these schools.
The Commission for Communications Regulation advise that Smart Telecom is still an authorised operator. Smart Telecom is continuing to provide local broadband connectivity to the schools installed by it.
The National Development Plan contains a provision of €252m for ICT in schools, the essential purpose of which is to advance the embedding of an e-Learning culture in teaching and learning in schools. The Department of Education and Science intends to publish a new ICT strategy this year covering the period of the National Development Plan to 2013. A Strategy Planning Group has been put in place to advise on the most appropriate prioritisation of measures and their phasing over the timescale of the National Development Plan. As part of the development of this comprehensive new strategy, it will be necessary to consider and address a wide range of issues including the maintenance of the national broadband network for schools.