K-12 schools are undergoing rapid digital transformation. Many also receive Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC) funding via the E-Rate program to upgrade their internal network connections.
As school districts use more connected devices, their bandwidth requirements increase by at least 50% year over year. Yet, 39% of school systems lag in achieving the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) goal of providing at least 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) bandwidth for every 1,000 students.
But having the budget to purchase equipment is just the beginning. You must also have the knowledge and expertise to set up the technology, ensure security, deliver a seamless user experience, and perform regular upgrades.
Critical improvements you may need to perform are upgrading your gateway router, using new network switches, upgrading your firewall components, and improving your infrastructure. But where to begin, and how do you know you’re tackling the highest priority items with the limited IT resources you have at hand?
Managed internal broadband services (MIBS) can help support the adoption of new technologies without the high initial overhead. A provider experienced in servicing the education sector can help you identify key activities to meet the latest requirements and prioritize your resources to achieve the most impact.
Here’s how partnering with a reputable MIBS provider can help your IT staff do more with less and focus on strategic initiatives:
K-12 connectivity needs are rapidly growing as more technologies are introduced into the classroom. A MIBS provider offers ongoing maintenance and updates for all hardware and software to deliver the connectivity that match your current demand. You can expand your capabilities when you need them so you don’t have to purchase excess capacity now.
Many school districts don’t have the budget to compete for IT experts in today’s tight labor market. A MIBS provider can offer the specialized knowledge you need when you need it to fill skill gaps without hiring a large team. It can also cover most day-to-day maintenance activities, so your internal resources can focus on strategic projects.
Purchasing and installing network technologies involves substantial capital expenditure. Plus, it’s hard to predict when equipment may require costly repairs or replacement. A managed approach takes the guesswork out of your budget forecast. Your provider covers all the maintenance and replacements for a flat monthly fee, so you don’t get hit with a surprise bill.