Uplifting internet connectivity for more than 100 Territory schools

Tiesha Hewitt Published September 19, 2024 at 3.30pm (AWST)

selena uibo

The Northern Territory Government's Schools Connectivity Uplift Program will see more than 16,500 students from 103 NT schools have access to online learning resources up to 20 times faster from Term 3 onwards. (Image: Katherine Times)

In an effort to close the digital gap across the Northern Territory, more than 16,500 students from 103 NT schools will have access to online learning resources up to 20 times faster from Term 3 onwards.

The connectivity upgrade will see 63 remote schools across the NT receive upgrades via low earth orbit (LEO) satellite installations and fibre uplifts.

The former NT government announced the rollout before the recent Territory election, as part of the Schools Connectivity Uplift Program. The initiative is a $4 million per year commitment to provide telecommunication upgrades to NT schools over four years.

The then Minister for Corporate and Digital Development, and now Labor leader, Selena Uibo said every child in the Territory deserves a quality education and quality access to online learning resources no matter where they live.

"As a former teacher in a remote Territory school, I know how important it is to bridge the digital divide in the bush so staff and students can have access to faster and reliable internet," Ms Uibo said.

"Telecommunication upgrades in schools to improve digital connectivity over four years will ensure no Territory student is left behind in the digital age."

All remote schools are expected to be upgraded by the end of the year.

Following the rollout, students in some of the most remote parts of the Territory will have access to high bandwidth connectivity and a wide range of online reading and learning materials.

The technological improvements will provide an opportunity for more Territory students to participate in real-time interactions with peers and mentors around Australia, and from overseas.

Schools and teachers in remote locations will also have improved access to student administration systems and online teaching resources.

The program is improving digital connectivity in NT schools through a mixture of fibre, wireless and satellite technologies, including LEO satellites.

The upgrade supports closing the gap in digital inclusion, allowing remote students and teachers to connect to the rest of Australia and the world while learning on Country.