Page 36 - SAMENA Trends - February-March 2021

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

networks. This means students can still North Lanarkshire Council. “Its potential the power of 5G, we’ve been able to help
enjoy a rich learning experience and not uses really are limitless and we hope that transform education for students in North
be disadvantaged by their location or by it can be used to engage pupils who are Lanarkshire. We know that technology can
the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic. perhaps turned-off by traditional learning help to make education richer and more
Pupils at Carbrain Primary School, experiences as well as by local community accessible for young people. This is vital
Cumbernauld, were the first to dive into groups such as historical societies. “This for both students and teachers; a blended
the new experience with an underwater project shows that North Lanarkshire is learning approach can engage and support
lesson about the ocean. A student from at the cutting edge in terms of technology pupils better than traditional methods only.
Cabrain Primary also said his favorite part and connectivity and demonstrates our We’re really excited to be partnering with
was seeing the Northern Lights, a subject commitment to providing our pupils with the Council to use our ultrafast 5G network
he studied at school: “I loved the colors, outstanding learning opportunities.” The to provide a UK-first in education. “Our
it was as if I were seeing them in real interactive experience is multifaceted and Skills for Tomorrow program aims to give
life!”. Another student enjoyed the Safari can be used for school learning, college and 10 million people and businesses the skills
experience, saying: “It was so cool to see university workshops, corporate training they need to thrive in a digital world. We’ll
the animals so close up.” “The immersive workshops, gym classes, and tourism, continue to deliver innovative solutions
classroom allows us to break free of meaning it can be applied to all learners like this right across the UK, to help build
the traditional classroom boundaries,” for all ages, and be deployed across many better public services for customers and
explained Councilor Frank McNally, industries in the UK. Rob Shuter, CEO of our society.”
Convener of Education and Families with BT’s Enterprise unit, said: “By harnessing

BT Adds £24 Billion (US$33.4 Billion) to UK Economy and Supports 300,000
Jobs, According to an Independent Report

BT Group is responsible for generating £1
in every £75 produced in the UK economy,
according to an independent report
published. The Economic Impact of BT
Group in the UK report, by consultancy
firm Hatch, calculates that BT generated
more than £24bn in gross value added
(GVA) during the last financial year. The
report estimates that around 300,000 full-
time jobs in the UK are supported through
BT’s direct employment, its spending
with contractors and suppliers, and the
spending of its employees. The Group also
spent nearly £10.1 billion with suppliers
based around the UK, including helping
to maintain around 35,000 vehicles, with
an ambition to transition up to 28,000 to
electric vehicles by 2030. Spending by
people in receipt of a BT pension also
supported an estimated 26,600 jobs and
contributed nearly £2bn across the UK. BT in London later in 2021 and has also spending helps to sustain communities
Group has broadband and mobile networks announced plans to open new or refurbish and small businesses right across the UK.
spanning from the Scilly Isles to Shetland, existing locations. New strategic hub “In the past year, having good connectivity
built and maintained by some of the 82,800 locations will open in Bristol, Birmingham has become more important than ever as
direct employees it has in the UK. This is and Manchester, providing future-fit we’ve all had to work, learn, and spend
equivalent to one in every 12 employees workplaces of the future for thousands more leisure time online. Despite these
working in the IT and communications of colleagues. Jane Wood, BT Group challenges, our dedicated and determined
sectors. The company is currently director of nations and regions, said: “I’m colleagues have ensured EE’s 5G network
modernizing its business, including immensely proud of the contribution our has been extended to cover 125 towns
investing in the UK’s largest workplace colleagues make in supporting the UK and cities, built out Openreach’s full-fibre
consolidation and modernization program, economy. At an important time for our networks to reach 4.1 million premises
as it moves from 300 locations to around country, our spending on people, networks and EE’s 4G network now reaches 85 per
30 as part of its Better Workplace program. and suppliers, provides a vital economic cent of the UK. I know these significant
It plans to move into a brand-new HQ boost for the UK. The wider impact of that investments will help to underpin the

36 FEB-MAR 2021