Digital access and inclusion are essential to delivering modern education and ensuring students are prepared for a digital future. To support this, the Department of Education entered into a $187 million, 5-year agreement with Telstra Corporation to significantly improve internet bandwidth across all Queensland state schools.
The agreement also includes a $109 million investment by Telstra to upgrade more than 370 exchange service areas across the state, benefitting not only schools, but also local businesses and regional communities.
Commencing in 2022, initial upgrades increased the statewide average bandwidth to 1.6 megabits per second (Mbps) per student—more than 60 times faster than the previous standard.
The next phase focuses on right-sizing connectivity to meet the demands of modern learning environments. This work is guided by the bandwidth allocation model, which adopts a needs-based approach, and ensures scalable, fit-for-purpose connectivity across the state school network.
More than 90 schools have been connected to fibre for the first time and newer technologies such as low earth orbit satellites are improving internet access in remote areas where terrestrial solutions are less viable.
These improvements ensure schools have reliable, high-speed internet to access online learning platforms, promote equitable digital participation, and enhance learning outcomes for all students.