The Department of Education (DOE) hopes to start the roll-out of the e-rate in schools next year, says minister of education Naledi Pandor.
The e-rate is a project that was set up between the DOE, the Department of Communications and Telkom to give public schools a 50% discount on Internet connection costs.
A DOE statement says the e-rate is aimed at lessening the education and skill gap between public and private schools by allowing public schools an advantaged access to information.
It is believed the project will enhance the learners` educational growth through real-time access to information via technology.
"The Department of Communications is still in talks with Telkom, and though the project has pretty much been a discussion for a number of years, we hope it will be implemented by next year," says DOE spokesman Tommy Makhode.
The project is designed for public schools and further education and training institutions countrywide.
"All schools that want to be part of the e-rate project have to apply to get it," adds Makhode.
Related story:
Telkom will be ready for e-rate roll-out in 2005
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