§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills by when he expects all schools in England to have broadband internet access; and what steps he is taking to bring this about. [112850]
§ Mr. MilibandThe Prime Minister has set a target for all schools to be connected to broad band by 2006. DfES is working with the Regional Broadband Consortia, LEAs and schools to ensure this target is achieved. Typically DfES would expect primary schools to be connected at a minimum of 2 Megabits per second (2Mbps) and secondary schools at 8 Mbps.
Broadband connectivity is being rolled out through the 10 Regional Broadband Consortia for England, in conjunction with member LEAs. The Department is also working with a range of partners including telecoms companies and other Government Departments to identify other cost effective ways of providing broadband for schools.