A reliable and secure broadband service is essential to teaching, learning and management within schools particularly as schools take full advantage of new cloud and web-based services.
Schools use broadband intensively, regularly dealing with large quantities of data and media-rich applications and services. Generally, schools require higher levels of security and network performance than most homes and many businesses.
A wide range of broadband services is available with varying levels of service and cost.
When buying a broadband service, schools should consider their specific requirements carefully - these are generally very different from the home consumer.
Core and additional services
An educational broadband provision can include elements such as a core service of:
- connectivity
- filtering and security
and other services such as:
- email hosting
- content
- other facilities - such as videoconferencing and online back-up.
Schools will benefit from being presented with a clear and transparent menu of services and pricing, that allows them to buy what they need, whilst giving them the freedom to pay for additional services or support if they choose.
More information about what to look for and ask about when buying broadband is available in the associated resources on this page.
