The Australian Government’s proposed $43 billion National Broadband Network (NBN) will significantly improve the delivery of remote education, according to a local IT expert.
Charles Darwin University’s Director of Information Technology Managament & Support, Pat Gould said the proposed upgrade of broadband services would have immeasurable benefits for the Northern Territory.
“To be kind to the current system, we’ve essentially been operating with technology worthy of the Dark Ages,” Mr Gould said.
“An upgrade of current limited bandwidth in the Territory has been long overdue, and will essentially bring us on to a level playing field with other states and universities.”
Mr Gould said that for a university whose main markets were interstate and overseas, the upgrade would be a huge shot in the arm for external/online education.
“The possibilities surrounding online education and the delivery of remote education to communities in the NT will be multiplied tenfold,” he said.
“It’s an upgrade we desperately need and one that should have the support of every IT enthusiast in the country.”
The Government’s $25 million implementation study is expected to reveal the cost of the broadband services on offer and the expected take-up around the country.