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Elevate Magazine
October 9, 2024

2degrees Collaborates with Spark to Revolutionise Digital Education in NZ Schools

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Kiwi students are set to benefit from enhanced cybersecurity and an improved digital learning experience, as 2degrees has recently secured a major contract with the Network for Learning (N4L), a Crown company that provides essential tech services for students and teachers.

This strategic partnership comes after N4L faced criticism over inappropriate content, prompting the organisation to look for new service providers. N4L is preparing for a major upgrade of the services it offers. Alongside Palo Alto Networks, 2degrees will work to upgrade services for 95% of the country’s schools through contracts that extend to 2031.

“We are immensely proud to partner with N4L and 2degrees to deliver a next-generation managed network for schools across New Zealand,” said Misti Landtroop, the firm’s local managing director at Palo Alto.

Telecom Industry Shifts

Since its early years, 2degrees has been recognised for its growth through competitive pricing and service innovation. Securing the N4L contract signals a new phase in the company’s development, granting it a stronger foothold in an area increasingly reliant on technology.

For Spark, the decision to collaborate with 2degrees in this sector represents a changing of priorities, as it concentrates on other core services.

The agreement highlights an emerging trend in telecommunications where providers are focusing more on strategic partnerships and specialising to meet the needs of diverse sectors from government to healthcare.

Benefits for NZ’s Education Sector

The deal between 2degrees and Spark is expected to reinforce efforts to modernise school networks across the country. Reliable, secure internet access is crucial for schools to have a comprehensive digital literacy curriculum. The role of 2degrees provides the technical backbone for N4L; students and teachers will benefit from improved online learning environments.

N4L, in collaboration with 2degrees and Palo Alto Networks, will begin planning the transition of services to ensure a smooth migration to the new network infrastructure. The transition of schools to N4L’s new service is scheduled to begin in March 2025 and is expected to be completed by May 2026.

This timeline allows for comprehensive training and support for educators and administrative staff. Palo Alto Networks will implement advanced cybersecurity measures, including on-premise firewalls and web filtering services, to protect students and staff from online threats.

The Ministry of Education will fund the transition for state and state-integrated schools, ensuring that all institutions have access to the necessary resources during the rollout. 2degrees will deliver high-speed internet services to 95% of New Zealand schools, ensuring long-term reliable connectivity for students and teachers.

The telco has entered into a 20-year agreement with N4L (with renewal rights) that includes commitments to build and co-locate an additional 450 sites over the next decade, facilitating improved network coverage and capacity across schools.

According to the Internet Access Statistics survey, 10% of schools faced inadequate internet connectivity, hindering their ability to effectively utilise online resources. Additionally, NetSafe’s Cyberbullying Survey from the same year found that one in five students experienced cyberbullying, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in schools to protect students online.

For business leaders, the shift also suggests a deepening connection between telecom providers and education. The increasing need for stable, scalable digital services in education and beyond presents new opportunities for companies to offer tailored solutions that respond to the demands of a digitally-driven economy.

Future Growth for 2degrees

2degrees winning the N4L contract is a success in terms of expanding its market presence and reflects its growing influence in New Zealand’s telecommunications sector. The company’s entry into an area traditionally dominated by Spark enhances its competitive standing and may unlock future partnerships and contracts across both the public and private sectors.

No doubt, 2degrees is set to play an important role in the ongoing development of New Zealand’s digital infrastructure. The freshly minted agreement could serve as a benchmark for future collaborations within the industry, particularly in sectors where the demand for specialised services is growing, such as education.

Conclusion

The recent partnership between 2degrees and the Network for Learning (N4L) represents a significant improvement in New Zealand’s educational infrastructure, providing schools with enhanced cybersecurity and reliable internet access to better prepare students for a technology-driven future.

This collaboration highlights the value of strategic alliances among brands and calls on business leaders to actively support initiatives that improve educational outcomes for the next generation of Kiwis.