Telecom preferred broadband supplier for project

Telecom preferred broadband supplier for Canterbury Project PROBE region

The Government's Project PROBE team and Canterbury Regional Liaison Group are now working with Telecom as preferred supplier of broadband into the Canterbury region.

"A key Project PROBE objective is to ensure most rural schools and their communities have access to high speed internet by the end of the year," said Elizabeth Eppel Ministry of Education Group Manager and Project PROBE Steering Group Chair.

"Telecom had provided an acceptable response to the original Project PROBE request for proposals and the team and region are confident Telecom can provide services on time and within budget.

"Discussions with Woosh Wireless have not resulted in a contract and no money has gone to the company."

Elizabeth Eppel said the independent Project PROBE region Southland had a contract in place with Woosh Wireless and indications are that the project's objectives in the region would be met.

Two other independent Project PROBE regions, Northland and the Wairarapa that had formerly selected Woosh Wireless as preferred supplier were also now working with Telecom.

"With 10 of the 15 contracts now signed and others imminent the rollout of broadband into the regions is well underway and reflects our commitment to supporting the learning achievements of students by giving them access to interactive and multi-media learning resources and video conferencing," Elizabeth Eppel said.

"Project PROBE, a multi-million dollar government investment, will see high-speed broadband networks extended to some 900 schools throughout New Zealand, ensuring broadband is available to some 2700 schools and some 750,000 students nationwide.

"Businesses and the farming and health sectors in rural communities will also benefit from the ability to link into high-speed internet connections so we can move forward as an innovative and thriving knowledge economy."

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