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Knowledge HubTM
How to Choose the Right Internet Service Provider for Your School
- Date Posted:
- 2 min read
- Written by: Exa Networks
While cost is an important factor, there are more important things to consider when it comes to finding a new ISP.
A service that looks affordable at first could cost more in the long run if it doesn’t provide the reliability, support or flexibility your school needs.
So, what should you look for when comparing suppliers?
Service and Reliability
Internet connectivity is an essential part of everyday teaching and learning. Online resources, cloud-based applications, safeguarding systems and communication tools all rely on a reliable connection.
When choosing a provider, it is important to understand how the service is delivered and maintained.
Are they focussed on education?
One of the most important factors is for your ISP to have a genuine understanding of how an education environment works. An education-focused provider understands the school calendar and should plan maintenance, installations and upgrades around term dates and essential school hours wherever possible. They should also understand the safeguarding and cyber security requirements schools work to such as DfE and KCSIE guidelines and how connectivity needs to work alongside important services such as filtering, monitoring and safeguarding platforms.
Schools also have specific procurement processes with budgets, funding cycles, tenders and frameworks all influencing how services are purchased. For MATs, there are additional considerations around managing multiple schools, maintaining consistent standards and policies across sites and having a provider that can support the needs of the trust as a whole.
Using an internet provider who is not education focused leaves you at risk of not getting the fast, high-quality support, full product integration, flexibility and critical understanding that a school needs. This could ultimately leave your school vulnerable should an issue arise.
What uptime guarantee can they provide?
A reliable internet connection is essential when lessons, assessments and admin all depend on online systems. When comparing providers, look at their uptime guarantee.
Is the service fully managed?
Not every school has the internal resources to manage complex networking issues. A fully managed service means your provider takes responsibility for monitoring, maintaining and supporting the connection. This can reduce pressure on school staff and provide reassurance that experts are keeping an eye on the service.
How do they monitor and maintain performance?
As schools use more digital tools, demand on networks continues to increase. Video streaming, cloud applications and online platforms all contribute to higher levels of usage. A good provider should not wait until performance becomes an issue. They should monitor network usage and invest in additional capacity before problems occur.
Do they provide DDoS protection?
A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack attempts to overwhelm a connection with large amounts of traffic, which can prevent users from accessing the internet. Having DDoS protection in place helps reduce the impact of these attacks, minimising disruption.
Do they work with multiple suppliers?
Working with a wide range of suppliers allows a provider more flexibility to recommend the most suitable and cost effective solution based on your location.
Technical Support
Even with reliable technology, issues can sometimes occur. When they do, schools need to know they can quickly access support from people who understand their environment.
What support hours do they offer?
Consider when your school might need assistance. A problem that occurs before lessons begin or on a weekend may require more than standard 9-5, 5 days a week office hours service.
How quickly do they respond?
Response times can have a significant impact when connectivity problems are affecting teaching. Ask providers what their current average response times are for calls and emails, and look for feedback from existing customers.
Where is their support team based?
UK-based support can make communication easier and ensures you’re speaking to people who understand the needs of UK schools.
What do other schools say?
Do they support all services in-house?
Some providers rely on different companies to deliver different parts of their service. This can make resolving issues more complicated if responsibility is shared between multiple organisations. Choosing a provider that supports the services they offer gives schools a single point of contact and clear accountability.
Accreditations and Compliance
Schools have a responsibility to ensure their technology services are secure, reliable and aligned with relevant guidance. When choosing a provider, it is worth checking what standards they fulfil and accreditations they hold.
Do they provide DfE compliant services?
The Department of Education provides guidance around technology standards schools should meet, including connectivity, cyber security, resilience and filtering and monitoring.
Are they ISO accredited?
ISO certifications demonstrate that an organisation follows internationally recognised standards. For example: Exa is accredited to both ISO 9001 and ISO 27001. ISO 9001 focuses on quality management, helping organisations maintain consistent standards and continually improve their processes. ISO 27001 focuses on information security management, ensuring organisations have processes in place to protect sensitive information.
The right partner makes a real difference
Selecting an Internet Service Provider is about more than choosing a broadband connection. The right provider should offer reliable services, responsive support and solutions that can adapt as your school’s needs change. Before making a decision, take the time to look beyond price and consider the reliability of the service, the quality of support available and the experience the provider has within education. A provider that understands schools can help ensure your technology supports teaching and learning, rather than becoming a barrier.
Download our checklist below to see how Exa measure up against the key criteria for choosing a school ICT provider – get in touch if you have any questions. You can contact us via 0345 145 1234 or sales@exa.net.uk
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