Schools Broadband Programme 2004/2005

All Primary and Post primary Schools will be connected to the "Schools Broadband Network".
The type of Broadband connection (telephone, satellite or wireless) will depend on the school location.

Mininmum connection speed will be 512 kbps.

This represents a step up from the existing situation in most schools and has the added advantage of being always on and no monthly bills apart from line rental.

The service will be centrally managed to include:
Content Filtering,
Firewall 
Email with virus protection and spam management.

This service will be free to schools.
A low call help desk will be available to provide support.

Preparing for Broadband
School Principals were invited to attend Broadband Seminars (November 2004).
Schools have completed and returned to NCTE the Broadband Application Form (September 2004)
Schools will be invited to register for the Programme (Nov/Dec 2004)

Schools connecting to the Broadband Network will be required to have an Acceptable Use Policy for Internet Users in place. more info

Networking School Computers
Schools were invited to apply for a local networking grant (September 2004). This grant will allow schools that are not networked to install a suitable networking infrastructure to distribute broadband around the school. more info

Installing Broadband in Schools

Contracts to installers are expected to be awarded in November 2004.

Connection of Schools to the Broadband Network will begin in Jan/Feb 2005 with a plan to have all schools connected by December 2005.

Contractors will install and test  the schools connection. A router will be installed in each school which can be connected into the schools network or the a single workstation for schools without a network.

School with an Internet AUP in place will then be ready to use the Broadband.

Over time an increasing amount of resources for teachers and pupils will be made available through websites such as Scoilnet