Some rural Wanganui schools have turned down the offer of broadband internet via satellite even though the installation is free. ICONZ finished its rollout of satellite internet last April and project PROBE (Provincial Broadband Extension) was designed to make it easier for rural schools to stay connected.
Mangamahu Primary School
administrator Tracy Wills said they had turned down the connection because of cost.
"Although the installation is free we couldn't afford the monthly costs of $150," she said.
Kakatahi School principal Katrina Hapton agreed that the cost was just too much.
"ICONZ have been great and have brought the Education Ministry down to $100 per month, but it is still out of reach for us.
"It may not seem like a lot but for a small school it is too much," Ms Hapton said.
However, Upokongaro School principal Naomi White said the high speed connection was fantastic.
"We have had dial-up for years and because it was so slow the children were getting frustrated.
"Now that it's faster the time factor helps us with our teaching," she said.
ICONZ is an internet service provider connecting business and communities with broadband internet nationwide.
Over 1000 rural schools throughout New Zealand have been offered the high speed internet connection via satellite.
