By Pamela McGowan

Last updated at 16:20, Friday, 26 October 2012

Schools in north Cumbria are being promised savings of £90,000 by switching to new faster broadband.

Headteachers say quick and reliable internet access has become a must for both pupils and staff due to the demands of modern day education. But rising costs are making budgets tight.

However, 16 schools say that after switching their provider in the last year, they have together saved more than £45,000.

New provider Solway Communications predicts that next year it could be as much as £90,000 – while access speeds will also increase.

Peter Ovens, headteacher at Belle Vue School in Carlisle, said they had 140 computers and tablets now regularly in use, so a reliable and affordable connection was vital.

“The previous internet connection was costing thousands more than it should and other schools were very complimentary about Solway Communications, so we made the change. We have seen speeds increase and are now able to give staff and pupils access to a central server,” he said. “We have become much more efficient as everyone works with the same central document rather than having multiple versions saved locally.”

Chris Rafferty, at Bowness-on-Solway School, added: “Not only were Solway Communications able to lower the price but speeds actually increased.”

The company’s Seb Coombe has given a presentation to representatives from 20 other schools and hopes more will now switch.

“We want schools to offer the best possible experience to their pupils. Children these days are not prepared to sit and wait, the internet needs to be quick,” he explained.

“It’s fantastic that we can offer a better service at significantly lower costs. Next year we aim to save schools just in north Cumbria £90,000.

“That’s enough to provide a term’s learning support to 180 children who need help.”

First published at 16:16, Friday, 26 October 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk