Łukasz Biernacki from MdO comments on the planned amendments to the OSE Act

In the first week of March, we wrote about the preparations for the amendment of the Act on the Nationwide Educational Network, or OSE. The main issue is the money allocated for maintaining the infrastructure and using the services through it. The budget for the project was set before its launch – in 2017, and prices have changed significantly since then. MiŚOTs also participated in many OSE competitions thanks to the MdO project. Therefore, we asked Łukasz Biernacki from this project for a comment on the planned changes.

The Nationwide Educational Network was established by the Act of October 27, 2017, on the Nationwide Educational Network and launched in the following year, 2018. At that time, budgets were set for the implementation and maintenance of the infrastructure, as well as for the provision of services on it.

– Indeed, since 2018, when we started participating in OSE competitions, from the first won competitions and implemented projects, the stakes have remained the same. The maximum subscription fee for internet has not increased. However, prices have changed since then. One must take into account the inflation that has occurred in the meantime. – he/she says Łukasz Biernacki from the MdO project.

An amendment to the act is currently being prepared. Its primary purpose is to change the budgetary assumptions for OSE, which will allow more money to be allocated to necessary network-related activities.

– If the amendment to the OSE Act actually leads to more money for the maintenance of this project and its ongoing costs, then it will be better for everyone. – states Łukasz Biernacki.

The addenda to the agreement within OSE were signed for five years, which means that many have ended or are just ending. The next ones should be signed on terms adapted to the current economic situation and prices that are in effect now. Since 2018, events such as the pandemic or the war in Ukraine have not been without impact on the Polish economy and inflation.

–  The first contracts we signed as part of the OSE projects were for five years, and they are expiring soon. Larger sums of money allocated for further activities present an opportunity for the amounts included in subsequent contracts to be higher. – explains a representative of the MdO Project.

Łukasz Biernacki also draws attention to another aspect related to networks for schools and the needs of the schools themselves. Digitization continues to advance. Many tools require better, faster internet with higher bandwidth. If schools want to keep pace with progress in their educational activities, their needs in this regard will grow.

– It is also possible that schools will need and want to sign contracts for higher bandwidth. Let's be honest, 100 Mb/s is not a huge bandwidth today. With the development of digitalization, including in education, higher bandwidths will be needed. These are growing on the network, but not yet in OSE – adds Łukasz Biernacki.

The MdO Project, as well as all those interested in OSE, are awaiting further actions regarding the amendment of the OSE Act. According to announcements, the adoption of its draft by the Council of Ministers is expected by the end of the second quarter of 2026.