North Lanarkshire schools are now enjoying some of the fastest internet in Scotland following the successful implementation of the council’s connectivity programme.

All the region’s 181 primary, nursery and additional support needs schools are now benefiting from connection capacity 20 times greater than previously whilst internet speeds in secondary schools have risen by 600%.

This has given teachers significantly improved capabilities to deliver digital education content during the school day according to the local authority. 

The council said it also provides better reliability and enhanced security, and fully filtered connectivity ensures that pupils are kept safe online.

Ultrafast internet access for schools is a key milestone in North Lanarkshire Council’s 15-year programme with Commsworld and its partners to transform connectivity across the region.

Scottish telecoms network provider Commsworld is replacing the infrastructure previously in place in all North Lanarkshire primary, secondary, nursery and additional support schools with new high speed connections.

Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Children, Families and Education said: “This represents a new beginning for digital education in North Lanarkshire. All our primary and secondary schools now have access to the best connectivity in the country.

“This huge improvement in capacity and resilience in our schools will allow educators to deliver a wider, far ranging digital curriculum that brings pupils up to date with the latest technologies.

“I look forward to our pupils and school staff enjoying secure and protected access to the best digital learning experience in the months and years ahead.”

Local residents also stand to gain from the improvements, with the newly-installed 340km full fibre network set to transform residential, business and public sector connectivity.

Plans are also in place for a free public Wi-Fi network across town centres, schools, community and council facilities and all business parks.

Councillor McBride added: “The programme is already seeing the complete transformation of the area’s digital infrastructure and that will help to ensure that 85% of homes across the region have access to gigabit-capable broadband far earlier than planned.

“To date, thanks to the work undertaken by Commsworld and its partners, fibre has been laid to support the delivery of an ultrafast digital network across North Lanarkshire.”

Sam Reymbaut, Commsworld Account Director, said: “We are delighted to have completed the significantly enhanced internet connectivity to North Lanarkshire’s primary, secondary, nursery and ASN schools.

“This service is set to provide a significant enhancement of capacity, resilience and security in schools so that they can gain access to the best digital resources currently available. It also represents another key milestone in our digital journey with North Lanarkshire Council.”