AltNets will help deliver free, superfast internet to 3,000 primary schools
Around 3,000 primary schools across the UK will connect to free gigabit-ready broadband over the next three years, thanks to an £82 million joint investment from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Department for Education (DfE).
The initiative will target primary schools in rural and other digitally deprived areas, ensuring that location is no longer a barrier to experiencing the benefits of high-speed internet access.
Pupils will be able to use the new gigabit-ready internet connections without interruptions, even when multiple classes are using it simultaneously.
Students can link up with other schools and pupils from around the world and have instant access to a digital library of educational tools designed to make lessons more fun, engaging, and productive.
Those leading the project believe the new connections will help over 500,000 primary school children develop critical digital skills that will increase their chances of success in the future.
Robin Walker MP, the Minister for Schools, said the multi-million-pound investment “will open a whole world of possibilities for schools and teachers.”
“It is more important now than ever for all schools to be connected to the internet,” continues Mr Walker. “This welcome investment comes on top of the programme of upgrades to connectivity and WiFi that we are delivering through our priority education investment areas.”
Russell David, Head of School at Whitley Village School in Cheshire, has already seen how high-speed internet improves school life for pupils and teachers. His school received its superfast connection last year as part of the UK’s Project Gigabit programme.
“Our pupils now feel more connected to each other, their teachers and our community than ever before, said Mr David. “
“A remote location is no longer a constraint for schools. Gigabit broadband has allowed us to transform how we teach using the latest educational tech and innovations.” The government will announce which schools are set to receive the new connections later this year. The networks will be built, maintained, and managed by several broadband providers, including some of the UK’s fastest growing AltNets that specialise in delivering gigabit ready broad to rural areas.
