London Grid for Learning Boosts Speeds with Virgin Media Business

The London Grid for Learning (LGfL), which alongside Virgin Media Business helps to supply broadband connectivity to around 3,000 schools (over 1.2 million children) in the UK’s capital, has signed an expanded deal with the cable operator that will deliver connection speeds of up to 1000Mbps and often “at no additional cost.”

Schools on LGfL’s Ignite Network will be the first to see Ultrafast speeds of up to 1Gbps at no additional cost, which should help to support their future use of augmented and virtual reality, live-streaming and 1:1 student/device ratios in the classroom. The schools also get access to public sector networks Govroam and Eduroam for remote working.

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 (i.e. enabling hundreds of schools to increase their connection speed to 1,000Mbps). Future upgrades will also be made easier by enabling greater remote control of the connection (sounds like Software Defined Networking).

In addition to increased speeds, schools will also benefit from improved firewalls (protection against hackers and other online threats), which complements LGfL’s existing range of security software including Malwarebytes, Sophos Intercept X, advanced email filtering and Meraki device management. Assistance and training is available to schools using these services.

John Jackson, CEO of LGfL, said:

“LGfL is determined to place UK education at the heart of digital innovation worldwide. 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 AR, VR and live-streaming to improve outcomes in the classroom.

Our plans to boost bandwidth will be complemented by investments in cybersecurity, 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.”

Peter Kelly, MD of VMB, said:

“By providing thousands of schools with an ultrafast, safe and secure digital platform, we’re revolutionising the classroom and giving children the tools and skills they need to thrive in the digital age. We’re delighted to build on our long-standing partnership with LGfL and use the power of technology to help more than one million school children excel everyday.”

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