Virgin Media Business to rollout School Network

Virgin Media Business, the business connectivity arm of the leading cable broadband and TV provider operating in the United Kingdom, has signed a framework agreement for a network service to schools as well as other public organisations, with the London Grid for Learning.

According to reports, the initial phase of the contract would result in connecting up to 2,800 schools across London to data and voice services. Subsequently, the bodies linked to the LondonPSN would be able to buy services through the framework as part of the second phase.

The connecting up of the first schools to data and voice services can be witnessed in April 2011 and according to the expectations of LGfL (London Grid for Learning) every site will get connected by 2012 June. LGfL is a consortium of all thirty three councils of London.

Once the framework is up and running, primary schools will be provided with broadband access to 10Mbps links for a price less than what they are currently paying for a 5Mbps connection. The secondary schools meanwhile, will only have to pay a price less than a third of what they pay currently for their 100Mbps service.

The new framework, incidentally would be replacing a network contract of ten years between Synetrix and LGfL. This existing deal between LGfL and Synetrix that is a part of Capita is not due to expire until 2012 June.