Cable & Wireless Optus today announced a $7 million deal with the Northern Territory Government to deliver high-speed internet access via satellite to all public schools in the Territory.
Optus will carry information to and from approximately 4,000 computer terminals for around 35,000 school students.
Chris Hancock, Managing Director Data & Business Services, Cable & Wireless Optus, said the students would have access to leading satellite technology.
"Satellite was the natural choice for this project and Optus is Australia's leading provider of satellite services. It is a technology where geography is no barrier, and its use will ensure city and remote students receive equal access to state-of-the-art communications."
Matti Urvet, General Manager Northern Territory, Cable & Wireless Optus, said the project began with a trial at eight sites and will now be rolled out to all schools throughout the Territory.
"This project will give young Territorians high-speed connections to the latest information on the internet, as well as to each other.
"It doesn't matter where a school is - from Yirrkala to Darwin - we can provide fast connections via satellite technology," he said.
The pilot scheme began in January 2001 and successfully delivered services to eight Territory schools in remote, rural and urban areas.
The roll-out to the remaining schools will commence in April 2001.
The four-year deal, with a three-year extension, is part of the NT Government's overall Learning and Technology in Schools (LATIS) program which was announced in late 2000.
Cable & Wireless Optus already has an established relationship with the Northern Territory Government, providing communications services since 1999 under the Government's Advanced Communications Strategy contract.
For more information: Linda Collard Cable & Wireless Optus Phone: 02 9342 5045
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