Flow offers free internet upgrades to connected schools

All schools across Tortola presently connected to Flow BVI’s fixed-line network have received free upgraded broadband speeds, in some instances, up to 600 megabits per second.

This according to a recent media release from the telecommunications provider which said the initiative is expected to last throughout the COVID-19 period.

“We are delighted to announce that we will be providing free upgrades on broadband services to all schools connected on our fixed network, to the highest possible speeds that can be supported by that service line,” Flow Country Manager, Ravindra Maywahlall stated.

He added: “This is a temporary upgrade, and will continue as long as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that our students and teachers can have reliable internet access, and work in a safe environment that is conducive to virtual learning. We stand ready as an education partner with the Government of the Virgin Islands in the collective battle against this global pandemic.”

Huge contribution

While thanking Flow for their continuous contributions to the education system, Education Minister Dr Natalio Wheatley said the initiative will have an overwhelmingly positive impact as some schools continue the hybrid system of learning.

He said: “A number of our schools have been equipped with fibre connections and Flow generously upgraded the speeds to some of those schools which makes an enormous difference with what we are doing with our virtual learning, it is something that will serve us well as we seek to ensure that all students have access to online classes.”

This initiative is just one of a few that were rolled out by Flow this year. In March, Flow announced that its Flow Study programme – an online learning platform – would be made available to all students in the BVI for a period of three months free of charge.

In April, they further agreed to ‘zero-rate’ on specific education websites that are key to BVI’s education system online programme.