The trip to Haast and back was beautiful and uneventful.
The School at Haast has satelite access for the internet, the downloads are extremely good, however uploading is too slow to take advantage of, and the problems around setting up the technology involved is also problematic. The slow upload does not enable the children to take advantage of video conferencing for educational needs.
Cell phone coverage, although promised by June/July this year, has not happened. The problems around reliable power supply, weather at any time, technology to make the adjustments in delivery of signal, router boosters, adequate aerials etc. All these items are the essential nuts and bolts to any system set up . They are not properly resourced or planned for or even considered until much later.
The weather can be lived with, but the additional technology required for supporting the client at the end of the system, is not researched nor have standards for equipment been developed. UPS for power supply support, boosters for computer networks that are powerful enough to cover 100 metres or more.
I have an adult student in Haast, and the the links between my work and the School could be a dream system to use for the community, but it does not work! The people are very disappointed, they have a desperate need for the access this technology can provide but the shortfall in understanding what is needed between the cable or satelite reciever and the users ability to access it and use it.
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