The London Grid for Learning is providing 2,000 schools across London with new Wi-Fi service and Voice over IP (VoIP) service. This is a joint venture with Virgin Media Business.

These new services will underpin the ability of schools to take full advantage of new e-learning tools like tablets, interactive whiteboards and educational podcasts, and provide teachers with the tools they need to inspire the next generation of young professionals. It will also save schools  around £100 million each year .

The London Grid for Learning, which is owned by 33 London Councils will allow schools to purchase the required number of wireless access points they need and share the technology that is centrally hosted in the core of the LGfL network. This means that they can run a managed wireless service at a fraction of the price of a stand-alone service. By installing VoIP schools will reduce their on-going telephony spend and will also benefit from completely free calls to other school sites on the system.

Brian Durrant, chief executive of the London Grid for Learning Trust said: “LGfL has an established track record in supporting schools which aim to transform learning and raise attainment through the effective use of new technologies. Technology is radically changing the way we live and work, and increasingly empowers the way that teachers teach and children learn. These latest service offerings are another milestone in LGfL’s history, enabled by the new LGfL 2.0 network which is already facilitating the delivery of a richer learning experience to children across the capital region.“

He added: “LGfL also has a comprehensive and ever expanding portfolio of unique learning resources created in partnership with organisations such as the Royal Collection Trust, the Museum of London and Imperial College. ”London schools are already leading the way as a blueprint for technology in education for the UK and beyond; and the addition of Wi-Fi and VoIP to LGfL services for schools will further support that lead.”