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September 1, 2006
The Prime Minister of New Zealand,
Helen Clark, yesterday unveiled Kiwi Advanced Research and
Education Network (KAREN). It is super high speed Internet that
is capable of transmitting data with speeds of up to ten
gigabits per second, 10,000 times faster than the current speed
of broadband, and 200,000 times faster than dial-up.
The
New Zealand Government put NZ$43 million ($28.1 million USD)
into the Crown company: Research and Education Advanced Network
of New Zealand (REANNZ) organization, responsible for the
running of KAREN.
KAREN will link universities and research
institutions in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North,
Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hawkes Bay, Nelson and
Rotorua and then to the rest of the world via a TelstraClear
fibre optic cable.
The network will allow geologists/geophysicists
to access U.S. data on fault lines, 3D modellers the ability to
collaborate on international mapping projects and students will
be able to participate in interactive video lectures with
experts, anywhere in the world.
The technology so far is limited to just
universities and research institutions but Minister for
Education Steve Maharey said: "The network will be extended over
time to include other institutions, including schools, libraries
and museums." It is also limited to just one university in the
South Island, it is located in the HIT Lab NZ at the University
of Canterbury.
Clark said: "The link is crucial in order to
attract and retain scientists, because it allows a greater level
of real time collaboration between scientists based in New
Zealand, and their colleagues around the world."
The Telecommunications' Users Association of New
Zealand chief executive, Ernie Newman, said: "Karen was a 'great
initiative' for the science community, and that would have wider
benefits for the country."
Dr. Mark Billinhurst, HIT Lab director, said:
"The network meant the country was now legitimately part of the
international research community." |
