Wifi Hotspot Devices Required On-Demand by Major University During Covid-19
KEY INSIGHTS
During the initial phase of the Covid-19 crisis, a Major University required WiFi hotspot devices to immediately shift all teaching and communication online. ConnectUs was the only value add reseller that could fulfill the order in a short time frame.
- 400 x Inseego 8800L WiFi hotspot devices shipped within one business day
- Minimized time to deploy institution-wide remote learning
- Devices staged, kitted and deployed to over a dozen locations
- Collaboration with Verizon to establish secure virtual private network (VPN)
SITUATION
Major University facing urgent demand for online connectivity due to Covid-19 lockdown
This year 90% of universities adopted emergency distance/virtual education to conduct or complete the spring term. In this context, a Major University faced significant remote learning obstacles during the Covid-19 crisis. This unprecedented event was unanticipated, and the University found itself unable to provide internet connectivity to many of its faculty members.
Any attempt to deploy broadband cable infrastructure would have created a huge gap in learning as well as significant costs. While educators struggled with connecting with each other and their students, it became immediately apparent that on-demand WiFi hotspot access was essential.
OBJECTIVE
Locate hundreds of WiFi hotspot devices to be deployed immediately
The Covid-19 crisis left many organizations scrambling for on-demand connectivity solutions. The University had very few options other than to procure and deploy hundreds of hotspot devices campus wide.
This effort was the fastest way to enable teachers, staff and students to move ahead with learning goals. As the usefulness of video classrooms was becoming apparent, reliable internet connectivity was crucial.
APPROACH
Scan the market for a provider that could fill a large device order quickly
The University initially attempted to obtain the WiFi hotspot devices directly from their Tier 1 Carrier, however, the Carrier needed 8-12 weeks to fill the order. Given the lockdowns were enforced while the semester was already underway, a 2-3 month wait was unacceptable.
In consultation with the Carrier, ConnectUs was recommended which has occurred in dozens of similar situations. ConnectUs is known industry wide for being able to procure, kit and deploy hard to find devices within days.
RESULTS
400 WiFi hotspot devices shipped to over a dozen sites within one business day
The University was thrilled to learn that ConnectUs could fill the entire order of 400 Inseego 8800L hotspot devices and ship them the same day. The devices were fully staged and kitted, and they were deployed to over a dozen locations.
Secure WiFi hotspot device configuration meant that document sharing and online meeting could occur securely. Additionally, working with Verizon, the devices were also configured with a secure VPN to further enhance privacy.
Due to the rapid response by ConnectUs, the University’s class down time due to Covid-19 was reduced to a minimum. Educators, students and staff were able to pivot quickly to remote learning despite the unforeseen challenges.
For future device and connectivity needs, the University is certain to consider ConnectUs first.
