Johannesburg, 13 May 2014
Always-on connectivity and instant access to information has fundamentally changed education, and with increasing digital requirements, reliable Internet access is crucial to delivering education these days. With this in mind, EOH Network Solutions is supplying Internet to educational institutions, such as schools and universities, at below its own cost price.
Stuart Hardy, business unit manager at EOH-NS says this equates to 65% less than the market rate for equivalent service in terms of dedicated Internet access, and is a prime example of how the public and private sector can join forces for the betterment of the community, in this case, learners.
"We feel that the use of Internet in schools is a growing requirement for the development of students. We wanted to find a way to support this growth. Internet is hugely expensive, and we don't think schools can possibly support the cost versus the demand, especially when considering the introduction of tablets and other mobile devices. Schools cannot keep up with the demand, and are buying lower quality contended services, which is less than ideal."
Hardy says incorporating the Internet into lessons is vital, and will hugely benefit students when doing research for projects or studying for exams. "The internet is a powerful educational tool, and a real leveller that should be available to all South Africa's students."
He says EOH-NS identified this need that was a challenge for the education sector, and decided to address it. "As a result of the significant investment we have made into our network, we have excess capacity. We decided to put this to good use, where it could make the most difference. The much-hyped digital divide is very real in South Africa, and there is an enormous chasm between schools that can afford high-speed Internet, and those who cannot. At least this initiative will help level the playing fields."
Hardy adds that with Internet, schools can make use of mobile devices, and initiate BYOD programmes. "Currently, very few schools in the country have access to these programmes and tools, largely due to the exorbitant costs of Internet. With more affordable high quality Internet, a great deal of the money currently spent on connectivity can be directed elsewhere to cover other costs. If all classrooms had Internet connectivity, teachers would be able to employ Web-based tools, and collaboration among schools across the country would be possible."
Ultimately, offering this discount for Internet access would pay for itself in terms of the better future it would offer South African learners, he concludes.
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