Haast School children talk with PM via satellite

Media Release

29 April 2010

Haast School children talk with Prime Minister via satellite

Children at Haast Rural School had the chance to talk with Prime Minister John Key for 30 minutes this morning via a satellite delivered high-speed broadband link.

The remote rural school is taking part in a satellite delivered high-speed broadband trial run by rural communications provider Farmside. As part of the trial, the school has video conferencing equipment installed – something they would never have been able to use without a high-speed broadband link.

Haast school children took the opportunity to ask John Key questions such as what it is like to be the Prime Minister, what is the name of his cat and did he have a private jet. They also reiterated to him how much they are benefiting from having a high-speed broadband connection at their school.

“The kids have seen and done so much more than they would have without broadband connection that is able to support video conferencing as well. There are just so many more learning opportunities that are available to us using this medium,” said Jill Cogger, Haast Rural School’s Principal.

“Broadband is a significant priority for very rural schools. Urban schools and communities have everything at their door steps – we don’t!”

Farmside is running the rural schools trial in both Haast Rural School and Winchester Rural School. Satellite delivered high-speed broadband can be installed into rural locations immediately and provides a data connection at speeds up to 10Mbps.

“Rural schools must have the ability to use 21st century technology to help achieve the same educational objectives as urban children and they need it now. I’m fully supportive of fibre as a means of linking up rural communities, but it may take up to six years to achieve, allowing a whole generation of primary school children topass through rural schools without high-speed broadband connections, said Tony Baird, Farmside™s CEO.

The trial, run in conjunction with the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Education, has been assessed and confirms that satellite delivered high-speed broadband is a viable means of providing rural schools with the ability to have high-speed broadband links.

ENDS

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