Today, Enable announced 11 local schools that will be able to connect to its ultra-fast broadband network in 2012. This will bring the total number of Christchurch schools with access to ultra-fast broadband (UFB) services to 71 - reinforcing Christchurch's national leadership in delivering technology-based education.

"Since our inception in 2007 we have recognised the education advantages fibre-based broadband can provide our children. We have offered heavily subsidised fibre services to schools and have worked closely with the Greater Christchurch Schools Network Trust (GCSN) to maximise the potential of this technology in education," said Enable CEO Steve Fuller.

"Our partnership with the Crown through the UFB project means we can quickly expand the number of schools with access to fibre. This means we can achieve our vision of having all schools in Christchurch and centres in Waimakariri and Selwyn District connected to our network within three years.

"This is just the beginning – we plan to announce more schools in the coming months as we push forward with our network deployment plans."

Enable also recently announced its new range of wholesale fibre broadband services and is working with a number of retail service providers and the GCSN to deliver ultra-fast broadband enabled solutions for schools. This will promote tangible operational benefits and new learning opportunities in schools of all sizes.

Principals and school IT managers are already working with the GCSN team to developing a better understanding of how fibre broadband can enrich the teaching and learning experience in their schools.

Mr Fuller added, "Enable is committed to continuing to support the GCSN and local schools to extend digital learning in ways that will benefit the children in our community today, as well as provide them with the tools to prosper in a digital society."

Christchurch schools that will receive fibre in 2012

• Ferndale School (Christchurch)
• Gilberthorpe School
• Halswell Residential College
• Halswell School
• Hornby Primary School
• Lyttelton Main School
• Oaklands School
• Roydvale Primary School
• Somerfield School
• St Michael's Church School
• The Cathedral Grammar School

In November 2011, Enable also announced that Aidanfield Christian School would be connected to fibre broadband in 2012.