NSW public schools get a better broadband deal using the Education Department's existing services than they would under existing National Broadband Network offerings, State Education Minister Adrian Piccoli says.The minister's comments follow revelations Minnamurra Public School will not be connected to the NBN for several years, despite the fact the fibre cable already runs past the school."The NSW Department of Education and Communities offers its schools and students one of the most advanced technologies available," Mr Piccoli said."The network reliably delivers advanced technologies such as video conferencing, filtered internet browsing and rich digital teaching and learning objects, all backed up by quality service at a committed broadband speed."NSW public schools had been advised not to connect to the NBN at this stage, he confirmed.A memo from the Education Department to schools also says NBN offerings "will not meet our needs".A five-year contract between the Department of Education and Telstra means public schools are unlikely to connect to the NBN before 2014, although the department continues to evaluate services.Schools that are able to access the NBN can choose to connect at their own cost.Mr Piccoli said Minnamurra Public School used less than half of its broadband capacity at present."Should Minnamurra Public School in the future need increased bandwidth to address its educational needs, there are processes in place whereby it can apply for an upgrade, and that application will be considered on its merits," he said. The school has indicated it is happy with existing services.Kiama Downs and Minnamurra were among the first to access the NBN, which will eventually reach all Australian premises.A spokeswoman for the Federal Government's Department of Broadband said it was up to customers, including schools, to decide when they wanted to take up services over the network.Broadband Minister Stephen Conroy was unavailable for comment late yesterday afternoon.