Somerset schools to introduce VoIP services following broadband roll out?

Schools in Somerset could be set to introduce VoIP services following the roll out of a new dedicated fibre-optic broadband network.

Computer giant IBM has teamed up with the Somerset public sector to offer the county's 269 schools and other educational institutions access to 100Mbps broadband.

Around 70,000 pupils and 10,000 teachers will benefit from the move, while schools could also consider adopting IP telephony solutions once the new technology has been deployed.

Councillor David Huxtable, cabinet member for resources at Somerset County Council, claimed the new internet network is "great news" for Somerset and our schools.

He said: "We hope this will be a catalyst that allows significant improvement to Somerset's broadband and communications infrastructure, enabling significant opportunities for Somerset's future economic and social growth."

The new network is due to be installed over the coming weeks and is set to be fully operational by April 2011.