UAE distance learning: Abu Dhabi students to get free Internet

12 / 05 / 2020

By Khaleej Times - -

Students in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region will now be able to enjoy free high-speed Internet for their e-learning needs, courtesy of a new partnership between the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) and satellite operator Yahsat.

Yahsat’s Internet services will be free of charge for the students until the end of the current academic year.

Earlier, the Ministry of Education has announced that students and teachers who live in areas without Internet connectivity will be provided free access to Yahsat’s satellite broadband.

The service will allow them to use online libraries, educational applications and collaborative e-platforms, helping them in the distance learning process amid the Covid-19 situation.

Sara Musallam, chairperson of Adek, said: “Since the roll-out of distance learning in March, we have been fortunate to work with forward-thinking partners who are as passionate as Adek about ensuring that the delivery of quality education to Abu Dhabi’s learners remains uncompromised.”

“Our collaboration with Yahsat was essential in providing much-needed support to students in remote areas where connectivity was a challenge, effectively equipping them for a smooth and effective distance learning experience.”

Masood M. Sharif Mahmood, chief executive officer of Yahsat, said: “As the UAE’s sole provider of advanced satellite communications solutions, it is Yahsat’s mission to support the country’s student community by deploying resources to provide crucial internet connections in their hour of need.”

To support students throughout the distance learning period, Adek has also partnered with other technology and education providers include those with Alef Education, Microsoft Teams, Class Dojo, among others.

To date, Adek has also provided over 15,150 tablets, 7,000 SIM cards, and 3,000 MiFi devices.