Tag Archive for: remote learning

OVER 12,700 FLIP PHONES DELIVERED

Over 12,700 Flip Phones Delivered to New York School System

, ,

KEY INSIGHTS

A major New York based Metropolitan School System required specialized flip phones as part of their Covid-19 response plan. Over 12,700 hard to find devices were needed in a tight time frame. ConnectUs was the only value-add reseller that had the flip phones in stock in large quantities. The phones were custom kitted and shipped in just over one week.

  • Over 12,700 ZTE flip phones kitted and shipped in 8 business days.
  • Enabled rapid, custom response to Covid-19 education demand.
  • Trust built with community for any future technology needs.

SITUATION

Major Metropolitan School System faces unique remote learning challenge

During the height of the Covid-19 crisis, educational organizations had to reinvent how to teach their students. Most turned to distance learning solutions that required digital devices for each student to learn from home.

A Major Metropolitan School System based in New York faced this situation with an added challenge. Being affiliated with a religious group, they decided to only use flip phones for remote learning. In early 2020, these devices were especially hard to find. As the lockdowns continued, time was of the essence. 

OBJECTIVE 

Find a provider that could deliver uncommon flip phones at scale

The School System was already using Verizon Wireless for their mobile needs. However, when they approached the Tier 1 Carrier, they learned that Verizon could not fill such a large order (12,700 phones) in such a short period of time. The quoted wait time from the Carrier was 10-12 weeks. This was far too long for students to remain unschooled.

It was immediately clear that an alternative flip phone provider needed to be found to meet the unique education needs.

APPROACH

Consult with Carrier about alternative flip phone provider

Due to numerous previous successful experiences, Verizon referred the School System to ConnectUs. We are the industry leader in hard to find handheld device fulfillment. The School System was delighted to learn that ConnectUs had the flip phones in stock and in the quantity desired.

RESULTS

Over 12,700 custom flip phones kitted and delivered in record time

As soon as the order was placed, the ConnectUs team got to work to outfit the large flip phone order. The devices required custom kitting along with SIM pairings assigned to each device. A team of 16 people was assembled to work on the project. Over the course of 8 business days the phones were quickly configured and staged.

Even though the customer had no other options, being part of a religious community did not hinder their ability to enable remote learning. 

ConnectUs was able to configure, kit, and SIM pair over 12,700 flip phones and ship them within 8 business days. Thanks to these intense efforts, and the unique positioning of ConnectUs in the device market, the School System’s students could engage in distance learning.

Due to strict governance, the School System community does not enter lightly into any provider contracts. After this successful campaign, they will certainly look to ConnectUs again for future technology requirements.

Online Call

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.