Telecom to Support Network For Learning

MEDIA RELEASE 

Friday, 2 August 2013

Telecom to Support Network For Learning

Ultra Fibre broadband available as a first step for schools joining N4L

Telecom announced today it has been selected as Network for Learning’s (N4L) technology partner for the delivery of a fast, reliable and safe online educational environment for New Zealand schools.

Gen-i, Telecom’s ICT services division, will help N4L build a solution encompassing managed network services, internet access, security and content filtering. 

Telecom encourages schools that are eager to connect to fibre to take advantage of Telecom’s Ultra Fibre broadband for schools services, as a first step. Telecom is connecting NZ schools to fibre, with no data caps or installation fees, and will be able to provide a smooth transition to N4L, without break fees, as it becomes available. Static IP addresses will be available and Port 25 unblocking will be supported across all Ultra Fibre for schools plans and school areas by the end of this month.

Currently, 640 schools are able to connect to Telecom Ultra Fibre. This number is due to grow to almost 2500 by the end of 2015, as the Ultra Fast Broadband (UFB) project and Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) progress, and Telecom’s Ultra Fibre becomes available via the remaining Local Fibre Companies.

“Telecom is thrilled to be contributing to this exciting initiative, which will leverage the Government’s significant investment in UFB and RBI to deliver critical social and economic benefits for New Zealand,” says Telecom CEO Simon Moutter. “N4L will take New Zealand’s education community towards an exciting new future, where technology is leveraged to enrich and broaden the learning experience.”

Telecom’s role will be to deliver a streamlined technology solution for the project, and reduce both bandwidth and cost as barriers to learning, so N4L can focus on supporting schools in moving to a networked model, and the integration of new technology tools into the learning environment.

With a nationwide network of retail stores and Gen-i branch offices, Telecom’s genuinely local presence and depth of ICT services experience will provide a high level of service to the N4L community.

Gen-i CEO Tim Miles says:”In partnering with N4L, Gen-i will leverage extensive experience in delivering high-quality products and services over fibre to help build what we believe will be the largest managed network in New Zealand. We’re committed to leveraging this fibre experience, our scale, and nationwide community presence, to make N4L a success. We are also committed to investing over the long term, to ensure New Zealanders have ongoing access to a world class and affordable education network.”

ENDS

NOTES:

Schools must have access and calling with Telecom to sign up to the Ultra Fibre for Schools free connection offer. There is no Early Termination Fee (ETF) for schools moving to N4L from Ultra Fibre or other Telecom broadband products. However some related costs may be incurred if, for example, the school needs new equipment (for example a LAN switch or network infrastructure) as part of their connection to N4L.

Static IP and Port 25 unblocking are commonly used for such things as hosting your own website or email server, remote security web cameras, remote access to server content like email or files.

About Gen-i

A member of the Telecom New Zealand Group, Gen-i delivers network-centric ICT products and solutions, combining both IT and communications infrastructure to support the success of its public and private sector clients. We are investing in the things that make a difference for our customers – our networks, data centres, and innovative new services. Our aim is to become an even more future oriented, competitive provider of converged ICT services, delivered over our high quality fixed and mobile networks and the Cloud.

In the 12 months ended 30 June 2012, Gen-i’s operating revenue was $1.36 billion.  For more information on Gen-i, visit www.gen-i.co.nz

About the Network for Learning (N4L)

N4L is building a managed network and portal specifically designed for schools. The managed network will run over fibre, connecting New Zealand’s 2,500+ schools to safe, predictable, uncapped fast internet; content filtering and network security services. The Crown-owned company will also build a portal offering a safe, collaborative environment where trusted educational content and services are discovered, knowledge is shared and critical thinking is rewarded. The aim is to give schools equitable access to digital technologies, enabling new ways of learning that lead to improved student achievement. Schools will be funded for their connection to N4L’s managed network.

For more information visit www.n4l.co.nz

ENDS

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