Jordan launches a broadband Internet network  

AMMAN — The Ministry of Information and Communications Technology on Monday launched a broadband Internet network to link eight state universities — a key step in educational reforms.
"We want students and professors to work hand in hand to make the best of this network," His Majesty King Abdullah told the universities' presidents yesterday in a videoconferencing session at the University of Jordan after the launching of the network.

"This is a very important step, and we hope to see all universities connected to this network."

The network would allow students to use videoconferencing, a nationwide e-library, distance learning and continuous communication.

According to Minister of Information and Communications Technology and Minister of Administrative Development Fawaz Zu'bi, the government plans to connect around 1.5 million students within the next three years.

Zu'bi said 3,000 educational institutions in Europe will be connected to the network and Arab educational institutions are welcomed to take part.

In a bid to facilitate the network management, a non-profitable company was established under the name of Unico to operate and maintain the network on behalf of the eight public universities.

The ministry is currently assisting the firm to develop and enhance Internet connectivity solutions operated by the universities.

According to Zu'bi, the ministry also plans to develop a broadband utilisation strategy and connect the universities to international educational networks.

President and CEO of Cisco Systems Inc. John Chambers, who is in Amman to participate in the Jordan ICT Forum, said linking education to the Internet will lead to fundamental changes.

Chambers added that Jordan "will lead the ICT sector in the region, not only in terms of preparing qualified human resources, but also through setting up such networks."

Meanwhile, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Issam Zabalawi announced that the University of Jordan has developed its own computer driving licence that meets the standards of the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL).

As part of its efforts to reform education, the Kingdom last year launched the Jordan Education Initiative with the help of 34 local and international companies during the extraordinary session of the World Economic Forum held at the Dead Sea.

The initiative seeks to improve the development and delivery of education to citizens through public-private partnerships.

It is also designed to build the capacity of the local information technology industry for the development of innovative learning solutions in partnership with world-class firms.