The WCG will start by connecting 2 000 government sites in three phases, including schools.

The Western Cape Education Department will work with the service providers and schools to connect schools over a two to three-year period.

The WCG plans to start connecting schools to the broadband wide area network (WAN) in April 2015.

Service providers will start visiting the first of these schools in September 2014 to discuss how best to connect them in each situation.

Broadband will provide high-speed internet access to digital teaching and learning resources and government services.

The broadband project in schools forms part of a larger initiative to support and drive socio-economic development using technology.

For your information, we attach further information on the broadband initiative from the Department of the Premier.

We encourage schools to take advantage of this opportunity by planning ahead, for example, at budget meetings and in plans for staff training. Please ask your district e-Learning advisor for assistance, as required.

We are entering a whole new era in education with this initiative. We look forward to working with you to realise its potential.