Over 400 schools New Zealand schools will be funded for upgrades to improve wireless connectivity as part of the Ministry’s School Network Upgrade Project (SNUP).
The upgrades are for schools that had their internal networks upgraded early on in the SNUP programme – at a time when wireless networking was not envisaged. The upgraded schools will now be retro-fitted to ensure they have quality wireless connections which will enable many staff and students to use the internet at once.
Upgraded schools will be able to take full advantage of improved internet and managed network access that’s available through the Government’s investment in ultra-fast broadband and the Network for Learning (N4L).
The upgrades will run alongside the existing SNUP programme of internal network upgrades for schools.
View the list of 400+ eligible schools
Questions and answers
What is the School Network Upgrade Project?
The School Network Upgrade Project (SNUP) subsidises and manages internal ICT network upgrades in state and state-integrated schools to ensure they are fit for the optimal use of the Government’s ultra-fast broadband and Network for Learning’s Managed Network initiatives. More than 1800 schools have received upgrades since the Project began in 2004, with the remaining eligible schools expected to be upgraded by the end of 2015.
Upgrades are subsidised by Government. State schools pay 20% of the costs of upgrades from their operating grants and Government provides additional funding to meet 80% of the costs. State-integrated schools pay 32% of the costs of upgrades and Government pays 68%.
How does SNUP support schools and students?
The Government investment in infrastructure projects such as SNUP provides a platform for learning to support improved outcomes for students by delivering 21st Century learning environments that feature flexible, modern and inspiring learning spaces.
Why are some schools receiving a second upgrade?
SNUP began in 2004, but wireless connectivity was not included in SNUP upgrades until June 2013.
Schools upgraded early in SNUP will be prioritised to receive this upgrade as they could be disadvantaged compared to other schools as their upgrade did not include wireless equipment or necessary cabling to support the easy retrofit of the equipment. In addition, switch equipment is likely to be out of warranty, and up to ten years old in some of the schools.
Will all schools have wireless connectivity following this initiative?
This initiative will upgrade as many schools as possible to wireless connectivity, with a focus on schools with the oldest original upgrades.
How will the upgrades be funded?
The majority of the upgrade is funded by the Government at the current SNUP rate of 80% for state and 68% for state integrated schools. Schools fund their contributions from operational and capital grants.
How will schools be selected for the initiative?
The initiative will give priority to schools with the oldest upgrades provided through SNUP
When will the upgrade be undertaken?
The upgrade will be undertaken over two years and is expected to be complete by 2017, with the workload balanced across the two years.