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BOE looks to address connectivity issues on other islands
CNMI State Board of Education chair Herman Guerrero would like the government’s help in addressing connectivity issues in schools on Rota and Tinian.
He and Education Commissioner Dr. Rita Sablan were recently on Rota where he said staff and students found their Internet capability “frustrating” at times.
Guerrero
“It’s frustrating,” he said. “The kids cannot do projects because they cannot get online. Teachers depend on the Internet to use resources. I would like to perhaps in January include that in our conversation with the governor to see how he can strengthen and enhance the connectivity of the other two islands.”
It was gathered from the meeting that purchase orders had been made for new wireless devices for the two islands, which would be installed this week at the high schools there. DSL cost is almost $30 to $33 per meg, it was learned, while comparatively, in the mainland it costs $1 to $3.
Board member Tanya King called it a “bigger issue, an islandwide issue,” in regards to limited Internet service competition.
In an interview, Guerrero said the new administration could have four options to work with. First, the governor could encourage IT&E to enhance connectivity; second, the CNMI could try to access any developing fiber optic routes from the Micronesia to Guam; third, the governor could invite other investors to come into the area. Or fourth, with the military’s interest in the region, perhaps their help could be sought, Guerrero said.
George Bisala, a junior from Rita Inos Jr. Sr. High School on Rota, described their server situation as “alright.”
“We do have regular access in the school, but sometimes the problem is when we have homework and some people don’t have Internet at home. I’d say, since Rota doesn’t exactly have the easiest access to encyclopedias, history books, and those sort, the Internet is really a faster and reliable way to get resources to help them learn,” he said.
