Online Study Chiang Rai leads Wimax long-distrance education

Chiang Rai is the first province in which WiMax wireless broadband technology has been introduced to bring online long-distance learning to schools.

Mae Fah Luang University, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and TT&T officially co-launched the WiMax system last week to provide broadband Internet access to 21 secondary schools for a period of three years.

Earlier, telecom operators test-launched the system in many provinces for a short period as part of the NTC's development of WiMax licensing regulations, which are expected to be completed next year.

Assoc Prof Vanchai Sirichana, president of Mae Fah Luang University, said the collaboration is part of the university's creation of a WiMax-based long-distance learning centre, which is a rural-learning development prototype project in honour and celebration of His Majesty the King's 80th birthday.

The NTC contributed Bt70 million to the project and granted permission to the university to utilise the 2.5GHz spectrum to provide long-distance learning via WiMax.

The university hired the consortium of Jasmine Telecom Systems, TT&T Subscriber Services and Triple T Broadband to provide the systems for Bt35 million.

The university's centre provides online educational content, ranging from science and maths to technology, to 21 schools. Students can send in their homework via the online channel as well.

Phra Mahavishnulak Virotrangsri, principal of Prapariyadharma School, which is participating in the project, said WiMax-based Internet connectivity would enable all monks in the school to broaden their knowledge, as well as serving the goal of all of its monks being able to create their own homepages after they graduate.

Prapariyadharma School provides free education to the monks. Those who want to enrol are required to enter the monkhood before they can become students.