International agreement between NIC.br and UNICEF contributes to measure the connectivity of schools

SIMET data is shared with the Giga project, which aims to map and increase the number of connected schools around the world


The Brazilian Network Information Center (NIC.br), linked to The Brazilian Internet Steering Committee (CGI.br), signed an international cooperation agreement with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to help measure the connectivity of schools globally. The partnership was established to share data from the Internet Traffic Measurement System (SIMET) regarding the connectivity of Brazilian public schools with Giga, UNICEF and ITU's (International Telecommunications Union) initiative to connect every school to the Internet, and every young person to information, opportunity and choice. By mapping schools and identify connectivity gaps, we can achieve the mission of connecting as many schools around the world as possible.

The data is provided in real time to UNICEF, seeking to contribute to Giga’s goals. In addition, NIC.br will also work with UNICEF on studies and scientific exchange projects related to, for example, the development of tools, Artificial Intelligence models, and may contribute to measurements in other countries using tools already developed by NIC.br.

SIMET, which belongs to NIC.br, is a free system used to measure Internet performance. It is a reference because it measures several connection parameters and is totally independent, since the tests are not done inside the network of Internet access providers, but rather in NIC.br’s Internet Traffic Exchange Points. For two years, Brazil’s government’s Connected Education project has been using SIMET to measure the Internet at Brazilian public schools. Thus, there are already more than 24 thousand municipal and state schools mapped throughout every region and state in Brazil.

"It is a great honor for NIC.br to be able to support a global cause by providing insights that allow UNICEF to identify connected schools and those without access to the network. It is an initiative that seeks to contribute to the transformation of education through connectivity, and is aligned with the commitments of NIC.br, which works to have better Internet in the country," says Demi Getschko, CEO of NIC.br.

"The Internet is a free space of knowledge, learning and citizenship. For teachers and students, using the network directly impacts education, and it becomes crucial for teaching and learning. By mapping the connectivity of Brazilian schools that use the SIMET meter, we can help UNICEF's noble effort to connect the schools around the world. We are proud to be a part of this initiative," states Milton Kaoru Kashiwakura, Director of Special Projects and Development at NIC.br.

About the Brazilian Network Information Center – NIC.br

The Brazilian Network Information Center (https://www.nic.br/) is a not-for-profit civil entity governed by private law, which in addition to implementing the decisions and projects of the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee, is also responsible for: coordinating the registration of domain names — Registro.br (https://www.registro.br/); studying, responding to and handling security incidents in Brazil — CERT.br (https://www.cert.br/); studying and researching network and operations technologies — Ceptro.br (https://www.ceptro.br/); producing indicators on information and communication technologies — Cetic.br (https://www.cetic.br/); implementing and operating Internet Exchange points — IX.br (https://ix.br/); enabling the participation of the Brazilian community in global development of the Web, and supporting the formulation of public policies — Ceweb.br (https://www.ceweb.br); and housing W3C office in Brazil (https://www.w3c.br/).

About the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee – CGI.br

The Brazilian Internet Steering Committee, which is responsible for establishing strategic guidelines relating to the use and development of the Internet in the country, coordinates and brings together all Internet service initiatives Brazil, promoting technical quality, innovation and the dissemination of its services. Based on the principles of multistakeholderism, transparency and democracy, CGI.br is a multi-sector Internet governance model, in whose decisions all sectors in society have an effectively participation. One of its formulations is the 10 Principles for Governance and the Use of the Internet (https://www.cgi.br/principios). Further information is available at: https://www.cgi.br/.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About Giga

Some 3.6 billion people in the world do not have access to the Internet. The lack of access to the Internet means exclusion, marked by the lack of access to the wealth of information available online, fewer resources to learn and grow, and limited opportunities for the most vulnerable children and youth to fulfill their potential. Closing the digital divide requires global cooperation, leadership, and innovation in finance and technology.