Frequently Asked Questions
Are all schools connected to the Schools Broadband Network?
Where can schools access more information on the Schools Broadband Programme?
Filtering Questions
Why are some websites blocked on the Schools Broadband Network?
Technology Questions
Is broadband limited to a number of hours of Internet access per day?
What broadband access technologies will be used to connect schools?
General Questions
Are all schools connected to the Schools Broadband Network?
99% of schools are conencted to the Schools Broadband Network. Most of the approx 1% remaining are delayed due to building works in the school or other factors.
Where can schools access more information on the Schools Broadband Programme?
The Service Desk is the central point of contact providing schools with information, advice and technical support in relation to the Schools Broadband Programme. The telephone number for the NCTE Schools Broadband Service Desk is: freefone 1 800 33 44 66
Further contacts details are available on Service Desk Contact Form
What should schools do regarding Internet access in the interim of being connected under this programme?
Under the Schools Broadband Programme broadband will be provided free to schools. Schools have the choice of waiting for broadband under this programme or in the interim paying for broadband from a commercial service provider. NCTE recommends that schools review their current Internet connection with regards the following:
- If broadband is available locally to schools and the costs involved are affordable, then schools are recommended to install this local broadband option. The costs involved will need to be met by the school.
- If broadband is not available locally, schools are advised to move to a flat rate service with a more predictable monthly flat rate cost per month.
- Where broadband is not available locally schools should consider upgrading their existing service to a faster service (eg from ordinary line to ISDN).
- If these options are not possible then schools should keep their existing Internet connection in place until connected to the Schools Broadband Network.
Filtering Questions
Why are some websites blocked on the Schools Broadband Network?
Websites accessed on the Schools Broadband Network go through a level of filtering to ensure that inappropriate sites are excluded. Where this happens, a "Web Page Blocked" message page appears.
Websites are categorised into one of 76 categories and access to a website is conditioned on the category being available to the school. Currently schools have the choice between two options A and B as to what categories are available for access within their school. FortiGuard Web Filtering Categories v2.0 lists the available categories and which category is included within the two options. Despite having some 30 million websites categorised it is possible that the site you are trying to access may be uncategorised or unrated. Where this is the case it is possible for you to suggest a category for this site to the filtering system. This can be done through the following link: Fortinet Link The system is automated and usually responds within 24 hours. Once this site is categorised, and assuming it does not come under the blocked categories, it should be possible for you to view the site.
Technology Questions
Is broadband limited to a number of hours of Internet access per day?
No, broadband is always on, making access to the Internet available throughout the day without incurring a cost.
What broadband technologies are used to connect schools?
A number of different technologies including DSL, satellite, wireless and lease line are used to ensure that all schools throughout Ireland are connected, regardless of the location of the school. The particular technology used to connect a specific school depends on a number of factors including school location, and the broadband connectivity options available locally.
The broadband router is a piece of ICT equipment installed in the school as part of the installation process which is used to connect the schools local network (or LAN) to the broadband connection, via a broadband modem. It is through the broadband router that the school can gain always-on high-speed access to the Schools Broadband Network and hence the Internet.
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