We manage the Broadband service for schools, learning centres and Sandwell College.

  • This is a managed service provided by Synetrix Ltd with Broadband Sandwell staff providing 1st line helpdesk support (triage) and Synetrix providing all other technical support for the wide area network and services.
  • It is supported by DfES Standards Fund 121 (31b) and charges & contributions from schools, learning centres and the college.
  • Over 150 sites are connected across the borough including schools, voluntary and community sector centres and all 3 campus sites of Sandwell College. In addition there is an inter-link to the Sandwell Council (SMBC) corporate network. All 19 libraries are connected to the SMBC network.
  • Both Broadband Sandwell and SMBC networks are connected to the West Midland Regional Broadband Network and from this to the Internet and the UKERNA ‘SuperJANET’ network . All West Midlands HE & FE sites are connected to the West Midlands Regional Broadband Network (via MIDMAN).
  • A highly secure data centre is located in Oldbury providing for anti-virus protection, content filtering (i.e. control of access to unsuitable materials), and intrusion detection and protection (anti-hacking). In addition a video conferencing management system is provided and content hosting services.
  • The Shireland Learning Gateway service is located within the Data centre and provides a learning platform for schools (currently for all High Schools but this will be extended to other sectors including PRES, LACE and Primary schools). The Learning Gateway is a high profile development which is attracting National and International interest. The Learning Gateway is a key feature of the education vision for the Building Schools of Future programme in Sandwell. Broadband Sandwell works closely with Shireland Language College to implement and develop this service.
  • Other 3rd party services are also hosted within the data centre including the WM Local Government Association’s ‘KEN’ service (consisting of - Lotus Quickplace and Sameplace project management support tools) and the ‘Black Country Observatory’ web site.
  • A Black Country Smartcard pilot is underway in some learning centres and builds upon the work on Smartcards previously undertaken in Sandwell.
  • Other content services will be provided in the coming year.
  • There is close liaison with Sandwell's Adult and Family Learning service to support the community based learning centres.

 

Find out more about the network design.

Find out more about the network services provided.