NT’s remote schools the priority in connectivity upgrades

It is expected that all remote schools will have upgraded internet and connectivity by June 2024. Read why it’s so important.

Remote students will be prioritised in the Territory government’s plan to improve internet and connectivity with a total of 58 remote schools set to receive new installations.

Over the next four years, the government will fund $4 million per year into the Schools Connectivity Uplift Program to provide the telecommunication upgrades.

Upgrades at 22 schools are expected to be completed by the end of Term 4 and all remote schools should be upgraded by June 2024.

Education Minister Eva Lawler said the upgrades would improve remote learning.

“For those living in remote areas of the NT this is life changing, we haven’t just delivered telecommunication upgrades, we have delivered improved access to countless educational tools which can and will expand a student’s learning journey,” she said.

“This is also an exciting opportunity to assist our teachers in the bush in connecting, engaging and educating the Territory’s future.”

Students at Bulman School are already benefiting from the improvements.

The program involves the rollout of low Earth orbit satellites, situated far closer to the Earth’s surface than the current ‘Satellite to All Remote Sites’ technology, which will minimise latency issues.

Minister for Digital Development Selena Uibo welcomed the connectivity changes.

“As a former teacher I know how important it is for teachers and administration staff to have access to faster and reliable internet access,” she said.

“This week I was at Bulman School, I saw first-hand what a difference faster access to online learning resources is making to children.

“It is also beneficial for adult learners as during my visit school staff were able to access first aid courses online, which would have been challenging before the telecommunications upgrades.”