By Martin Blayon
The Liberia Telecommunications Corporation (LIBTELCO) is expected to rollout the much talked about SchoolConnect Internet service that seeks to provide affordable high-speed internet connectivity with Wi-Fi access to schools, training centers, and universities, under a partnership arrangement.
Data Synergy, a local Liberian Technology company headed by Nyenoh Waylee is the Chief Executive officer of the firm that has signed a three year contract with LIBTELCO- for the much publicized -SchoolConnect Internet Service.
Speaking during the contract signing ceremony; which was held in the conference room of LIBTELCO on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, the Corporation’s Business Development and IT Service Management Consultant, Jay Kesselee Fatormah explained that the partnership shall require both LIBTELCO’s management and school/university administrations to work together; so as to sustain the high-speed internet connectivity, which has unlimited data.
According to him, the SchoolConnect Internet service is a win-win partnership.
It has the ability to enhance research and learning experiences for students and others, who are expected to use the reliable fiber optic cable Internet service, with unlimited data that will be installed on various campuses.
He mentioned that LIBTELCO’s core mission is to provide access to affordable and reliable communication platform; as evident of the expected Internet Service; which will be rollout at various learning institutions, which will subscribe for minimum fee of US$3 per student per semester (4 months) for high schools, and US$5 for universities, and professional schools with unlimited data.
“LIBTELCO is anticipated to Provide FREE high-speed (2Mbps) internet bandwidth for every institution’ administration use, – provide campus-wide, high-speed, Wi-Fi internet service; with unlimited data for use by students who will subscribe or subscribed students,” he disclosed.
Fatormah said the corporation is prepared to provide the expertise regarding installation, deployment of equipment, provide routine maintenance, and will Work with school administrators to keep SchoolConnect Internet access service functional.
“LIBTELCO’s goal is to increase access to internet across schools, training centers, and universities in Liberia.
“The ultimate goal of this service is in response to the growing need to support, an enabling learning environment that adds value to the learning outcomes of Liberian students and in fulfillment of LIBTELCO’s social corporate responsibility,” he intoned.
He outlined school (universities, high schools and others) administrations responsibilities:
“Indicate the number of subscribed students to the SchoolConnect service, provide the electricity to power up the equipment, pay a minimum fee of US$5.00 per student, per semester basis to subscribe to LIBTELCO’s School-Connect service, he pointed out.
He also mentioned that school administers will ensure that LIBTELCO and its partner (Data Synergy) installed equipment are protected and not tampered with by unscrupulous individuals or institutions.
The LIBTELCO Business and IT Consultant said school administrators will designate personnel or worker that the corporation will train to take care of the service (SchoolConnect Internet service).
“Minimum subscribers will be 250 Students and SchoolConnect Internet Service will be unlimited data that will never expire; coupled with ensuring that the internet service, campus wide- Wi-Fi will be a roaming service for students and others; which means students can access the internet on campuses that are subscribed with the SchoolConnect Internet Service .
Meanwhile, the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation (LIBTELCO) is a public Corporation created by an Act of the Legislature to provide full wireless CDMA services, fixed wireless, desk phones, Internet service, and other related telecommunications services within the Republic of Liberia.
Since 2012, LIBTELCO has been providing High speed fiber Optic Internet connectivity in Liberia, with high-profile customer base, ranging from Diplomatic missions, hotels, and other businesses.
The Liberia Telecommunications Corporation is therefore seeking partnership with various school/university administrations to provide Internet service to their respective campuses, under its SchoolConnect Internet service.
The SchoolConnect Internet service is an initiative that provides the opportunity for LIBTELCO’s Management and each willing school/university administration to work together; in the provision of Internet for schools at an affordable rate (US$3 per student-High schools, and US$5-universities- for four months).