Educational tech provider charity LGfL has announced a doubling of the capacity of its Ignite broadband network for schools.
The increase comes from a deal with supplier Virgin Media Business and should affect approximately 3,000 schools across the UK.
Under the refreshed plans, all schools will be offered free upgrades to a minimum connection of 100Mbps (for both upload and download) with LGfL schools on average receiving a 200% plus boost in their bandwidth. This should enable hundreds of schools to increase their connection speed to 1Gbps.
They will also be able to receive next generation firewalling, complementing LGfL’s existing range of security software that includes Malwarebytes, Sophos Intercept X, advanced email filtering and Meraki device management.
It said assistance and training is available to schools using these services.
In addition, they will get access to the Govroam and Eduroam public sector Wi-Fi networks – both of which require high bandwidth connections to work effectively – to support remote working.
Massive boost
John Jackson, chief executive officer of LGfL, said: “Our strategic partnership with VMB in our Ignite Network will massively boost bandwidth for our core network along with connectivity for schools, enabling pupils and teachers to take advantage of the latest cutting edge technology such as augmented reality, virtual reality and live streaming to improve outcomes in the classroom.
“Our plans to boost bandwidth will be complemented by investments in cyber security, reflecting our priority to not only provide one of the fastest networks for schools but one of the safest. By providing this huge boost to UK education at no extra cost LGfL is achieving its mission to save schools money whilst ensuring they are fully equipped for the future.”
Image from Virgin Media
