The government is delighted that most New Zealand schools have signed up for Crown-funded internet.

A $200 million project labelled The Managed Network was introduced by the government seven years ago with an aim of providing schools with fast, reliable internet and uncapped data.

Associate Minister of Education Nikki Kaye says they've had an overwhelming number of schools keen to sign up.

"We've now got 95 percent of schools signed up for this offer and we've also got 1600 schools connected, which means running more than a year ahead of schedule."

Nikki Kaye says most schools are expected to be connected to the network by the end of next year.