Issue - meetings

Background:

This report sought permission to commence the procurement of a wireless network solution for schools and academies on the Hoo Peninsula.

It was noted that the Hoo Peninsula was poorly served by the major telecommunications companies and as such connections to council buildings and schools was expensive and slow. The lack of service provision on the Peninsula was affecting delivery of online learning opportunities to the pupils attending schools on the Peninsula. The efficiency of leadership and management processes that rely on internet connectivity were also affected.

Members were advised that to create equality across the authority the connection speeds to these sites must be increased. It was reported that ICT had undertaken a separate feasibility study for a high-speed wireless solution that would serve the majority of these sites. The results of this survey were detailed in this report together with the various procurement options.

This Gateway 1 report had been approved for submission after review and discussion by the Children and Adults Directorate Management Team and Procurement Board.

An exempt appendix set out key information concerning finance and whole-life costing.

Reasons:

The current network solution on the Hoo Peninsula is not fit for purpose and is inhibiting the delivery of high quality education for young people who learn there. The proposed procurement will provide an upgradable cost effective solution.