Recommendation 7 Internet access via public libraries

'''Recommendation 7. We recommend that the Government consider encouraging local government to ensure greater Internet access via public libraries for out-of-school learning as a valuable community resource.'''

Comment: It is a concern that the huge capital investment in school and public library infrastructure is not used for more hours per day. There is a huge lost opportunity cost here. Telcos might be required to provide such facilities at a minimum cost to compensate for their right to provide utility cabling down our roads. UFB requires all MUSH sites including libraries to have connectivity. Telcos should also be required to use peering and caching servers to minimise, particularly international, traffic costs. Network for Learning should include caching servers in all schools – and perhaps public libraries.

Should public libraries actually be considered as spaces for schools? But are public libraries often used by Retirees?

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