Rural schools fed up with slow internet

Frustrated by Telecom's slow internet service, some rural school principals are switching to companies offering speedy connections.

On Tuesday, the Government announced a $1.5 billion plan to roll out faster, more accessible broadband to rural schools.

But many principals have changed to internet companies that give high-speed internet.

More than 30 Manawatu schools have signed on to wireless broadband from Palmerston North-based InSPire Net. The company builds its own network through cables and satellite technology.

Woodville's Papatawa School switched to InSpire in May 2009 after battling with Telecom to upgrade its dial-up service, principal Louise Ilton said.

Slow internet meant the sole-charge principal had to send larger emails of lesson plans from her home computer. "You can't fault InSPire's service. I won't change back," she said.

Last year, Ballance School in Pahiatua changed from Telecom to CallPlus, an Auckland-based internet provider.

The switch halved their bill from $100 to $50 per month.

As it was a small school, principal Vicki Maugham said price was important. "We just don't have $1200 sitting in our budget."

She said she hoped the Government's broadband initiative would link the school to faster internet. "Some schools have ultrafast internet that InSPire put in with Tararua District Council. That's wonderful, it can do video conferencing."

Telecom stood by the company's internet speed. Telecom spokesperson Mark Watts said all Manawatu schools could access broadband through its network, including Papatawa School, which was offered wireless broadband in 2006 and 2007.

Rural customers were already benefiting from Telecom's broadband investment, Mr Watts said. The fibre-to-the-node programme took fibre across many places in the Manawatu.

Telecom's broadband speed ranged from 2Mbs to full-speed plans.

Maximum speed depended on the customer's location, hardware and the number of customers using the network.

InSPire Net managing director James Watt said his company offered minimum internet speed of 10Mbps to rural schools. Telecom could offer similar speeds, he said.

InSPire was applying to be part of the Government's rural broadband initiative, expanding internet speed and services in Manawatu.

The company was also rolling out cables in Tararua and Rangitikei. CallPlus also wanted a piece of the Government's broadband grant. About 10 schools in Manawatu use CallPlus. General manager Kelvin Hussey said his company offered the latest technology in rural areas. Internet charges were reduced by allowing smaller schools to combine purchasing power.

- © Fairfax NZ News