CONNECT A SCHOOL, CONNECT A COMMUNITY

There is also evidence that the use of broadband connectivity as an educational tool for children acts as a motivating force for parents to obtain broadband service at home.³  Increased demand then attracts interest from governments and other organizations that may want to fund broadband deployment.  Growing demand also helps commercial network operators that otherwise might be hesitant to offer services without a reasonable business case built on sustainable demand levels. 

In addition to serving educational needs, broadband-connected schools can serve as ICT centers for their surrounding populations.  In areas where low income, lack of infrastructure or other factors may present barriers to widespread broadband connectivity, policymakers can focus on using key public institutions -- including schools -- as ICT centers that offer access, training, and support services.