Mobile networks have become a critical infrastructure component for universities. Mobile services are heavily integrated into education with a reported 81% of college student using mobile devices to study. [McGraw Hill] Smartphones dominate the student community with an unparalleled 98% of people age 18 – 24 having a smartphone. [Nielsen] But in addition, the average student arrives with a mind boggling 7 connected devices. [Refuel Agency] All these factors lead to an explosion in the demand for quality, reliable, and secure mobile services on university campuses.
Most universities are trying to meet this demand with a combination of a University provided WIFI network and relying on students to individually purchase services from Mobile Network Operator to fill the gaps. The current solution is however increasingly facing several obstacles. WIFI was not designed to service large numbers of simultaneous users; consequently, as demand rises, quality degrades. WIFI is also not a secure network, opening concerns for privacy of communications. Also, the cost of purchasing sufficient bandwidth from Mobile network operators can be a burden for students from lower income families.
The best practice for educational community communications today is a Private Mobile Network. A Private Network offers premier campus safety, as evidenced by the transitioning of many public safety departments. A Private Network also provides Mobile broadband security to protect the privacy of student and staff communications. Additionally, it increases the quality of service as it was designed to adeptly handle a large volume of simultaneous users. University sponsorship of a Private Network also allows universality of access as all students have equal access regardless of ability to pay.
gatednetworks.com 