Spotty internet will soon be a thing of the past for Primary Schools across the island as plans have been approved to upgrade the connectivity, offering schools better internet connections.

The approval came from Cabinet this week and marks a major step in advancing 21st Century Learning and strengthening the country’s digital education infrastructure.

It was the Minister of Education Daryll Matthew who brought the issue to the attention of his colleagues.

The Minister’s presentation highlighted that, while foundational installations began in 2021, inconsistent and inadequate internet connectivity has continued to hinder teaching, e-learning initiatives, and the rollout of the Digital OECS Harmonized Primary Curriculum (DOHPC).

Detailed findings from the Antigua and Barbuda Public Schools Wireless Project Report, compiled by a multi-agency team representing the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Telecommunications, Board of Education, Antigua Computer Technology, and Digicel confirmed significant bandwidth deficiencies, with many primary schools operating at only 15–20 Mbps, far below the minimum required bandwidths of 50–100 Mbps for effective digital learning.

The Cabinet noted that existing bandwidth limitations have delayed or curtailed several education initiatives and placed schools at a disadvantage as they pilot the new OECS digital curriculum.

Those schools who have yet to have the fibre optic system installed will also be targeted.

Once completed, prioritization of further upgrades for secondary schools will take place to enhance e-learning and e-testing readiness.