Schoolnet – “Public Utility” Internet Network 2005

Schoolnet Program, started in 1996, sets as an aim to provide at first secondary schools Internet connection within a closed network, which is based on the available communication infrastructure. In the meantime the program began connecting primary schools and other educational institutions, today about 2400 institutions are to be found on the network. On the other hand bandwidths today remain below the demands, several schools chose alternative Internet access, the program was only able to reach 40% of the schools, which result fall behind the required and doesn‘t meet the expectations of the European Union. Those areas that do not have a traditional communication infrastructure can also be developed with the help of modern technologies, like global satellite wireless communication systems.

The new Public Utility Internet Network 2005, organized by the Ministry of Informatics and Communications is based on the services of the market actors, provides the electronic communication infrastructure of public institutions, local administrative organizations and schools. Public Utility Internet Network consists of several sub networks, which are independent units, but they are also connected to each other. The sub networks can be implemented and developed independent of each other. According to the plans of the Ministry of Informatics the Public Utility Internet Network Program is going to be realized in several phases. In the first phase of the Program (2004–2006) 7300 endpoints will be achieved, as well as the determinant parts of basic infrastructure, and the related network supervision, client and Internet services. Every public institution will be equipped with broadband Internet access. The Ministry of Education also takes part in the implementation of the first phase. In the first phase of the program about 5000 Schoolnet (schools, student‘s hostels, institutes of vocational training) and 2300 other endpoints (local authorities, community centers) are going to be connected up. Endpoints are going to be implemented above all in disadvantaged areas. The high number of endpoints enables the service system established on business basis to be run more effectively and cheaper. The most important considerations of the public purchases are reliable, secure services and the effective use of public funds.

The goal of the program is to connect every Hungarian institution of public education to Schoolnet network until the end of 2005 with an appropriate bandwidth and with a technology suitable for high-class services (for example: VPN, VOIP, digital signature), as part of the Public Utility Internet Network Program.

Schoolnet Express Program (which is a part of the Schoolnet Program; launched in 1996) includes all the developments of educational informatics, the goals of which are the development of Internet network and instruments of EU standard in public education, the promotion of application of high standard, as well as the improvement of applications and services.

The year 2003 was a milestone in the Program‘s life. Until 2003 the main goals were to provide the schools with Internet connection and computer labs, to help the teachers through a portal with structured extra teaching materials, to organize trainings for teachers and camps for students, teachers and system administrators and to announce calls for applications. In 2003 – besides the traditional activities – new challenges appeared within the frame of the Program.

Source:
http://www.ihm.hu,
http://www.om.hu
http://www.om.hu/letolt/english/327
(10, ICT means in education – Pillars of Schoolnet Express, pillar 1)