Date :02 March 2012 | Source :Enable Networks Limited11 more schools to connect to UFB in Christchurch – Enable

Media Release

2 March 2012

Enable to deliver fibre broadband to more schools in 2012

Today, Enable announced 11 local schools that will be able to connect to its ultra-fast broadband network in 2012. This will bring the total number of Christchurch schools with access to ultra-fast broadband (UFB) services to 71 – reinforcing Christchurch’s national leadership in delivering technology-based education.

“Since our inception in 2007 we have recognised the education advantages fibre-based broadband can provide our children. We have offered heavily subsidised fibre services to schools and have worked closely with the Greater Christchurch Schools Network Trust (GCSN) to maximise the potential of this technology in education,” said Enable CEO Steve Fuller.

“Our partnership with the Crown through the UFB project means we can quickly expand the number of schools with access to fibre. This means we can achieve our vision of having all schools in Christchurch and centres in Waimakariri and Selwyn District connected to our network within three years.

“This is just the beginning – we plan to announce more schools in the coming months as we push forward with our network deployment plans.”

Enable also recently announced its new range of wholesale fibre broadband services and is working with a number of retail service providers and the GCSN to deliver ultra-fast broadband enabled solutions for schools. This will promote tangible operational benefits and new learning opportunities in schools of all sizes.

Principals and school IT managers are already working with the GCSN team to developing a better understanding of how fibre broadband can enrich the teaching and learning experience in their schools.

Mr Fuller added, “Enable is committed to continuing to support the GCSN and local schools to extend digital learning in ways that will benefit the children in our community today, as well as provide them with the tools to prosper in a digital society.”

Christchurch schools that will receive fibre in 2012

• Ferndale School (Christchurch)
• Gilberthorpe School
• Halswell Residential College
• Halswell School
• Hornby Primary School
• Lyttelton Main School
• Oaklands School
• Roydvale Primary School
• Somerfield School
• St Michael’s Church School
• The Cathedral Grammar School

In November 2011, Enable also announced that Aidanfield Christian School would be connected to fibre broadband in 2012.

A full list of Christchurch schools already connected to Enable’s ultra-fast fibre broadband network can be found at enable.net.nz/about-us/community/.

-Ends-

Media contact:

Daniel Herd

Communications Manager

Enable

027 694 3574

Daniel.herd@enable.net.nz

About Enable

Enable is a partnership between Crown Fibre Holdings Limited and Christchurch City Holdings Ltd established to build and operate the ultra-fast broadband (UFB) network for Christchurch and surrounding centres.

Today Enable owns and operates a world-class fibre network connecting approximately 7,000 Christchurch business premises. In November 2011, it began building the UFB network in Christchurch that will pass 180,000 homes, schools and businesses in Christchurch, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Woodend, Lincoln, Prebbleton and Rolleston.

The Enable UFB network will play a vital role as Christchurch rebuilds – it will sit at the heart of our vision for a 21st century city.  It will generate new industry, provide unprecedented access to global markets and services for local businesses, and enable the people of Christchurch to connect with each other in exciting new ways.

More information about Enable is available from enable.net.nz.

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