17 November 2020
Credit: Falkirk Council/Lisa Evans
Virgin Media Business has signed a key public sector contract with Falkirk Council in Scotland that will see it improve connectivity in schools and support digital learning.
Under the terms of the deal, the operator will deliver new wireless networks in all the council’s 58 primary, secondary and additional support schools, providing more bandwidth to help them cope with the additional data traffic that will be generated by 18,000 new iPads given to students through the council’s Connected Falkirk project.
Virgin Media Business said it will provide safe and secure solutions for the schools, ensuring educators can help protect students from unsuitable content as well as provide a cloud management platform that gives the council greater flexibility in managing their connectivity. The dedicated Wi-Fi and connectivity provided through the contract also ensures equity of access in all Falkirk Council schools, the company said.
“We are proud that our cutting-edge technology will help Falkirk Council safeguard against network issues today, while also creating a digital learning environment fit for the future," said Martin McFadyen, head of public sector at Virgin Media Business. “With our support, thousands of children across the Falkirk area will be able to safely and securely access reliable connections that support their learning and help them build the digital skills they need to thrive in future. Over the next five years, Connected Falkirk will transform learning and teaching across all schools in the Falkirk area, helping to prepare children and young people to live, learn and work in a truly digital age.”
Part of the ambitious Council of the Future Change programme, Connected Falkirk is one of 23 projects that aim to modernise and improve services and help deliver the council’s three corporate priorities - communities, enterprise and innovation.
Robert Naylor, director of children’s services at Falkirk Council added: “The investment in Connected Falkirk gives increased access to devices, coupled with a suite of powerful digital tools, increased connectivity, and a dedicated professional learning programme that will bring learning benefits to all. We believe our partnership with Virgin Media Business will enhance and support the delivery of learning excellence to all our children and young people.”
