Need advice? Call our experts free on
0800 090 1342
3 Mobile-powered network to offer universities remote access
The JANET 3G service is set to launch in June, having been unveiled earlier this month.
The technology is scheduled to be made available in June 2011 and will be provided by aql, with 3 Mobile powering the infrastructure.
Known as JANET 3G, it will enable academic support staff at schools, colleges and universities to gain access to important tools - such as virtual learning environments, research data and library catalogues - without having to be in the office.
Organisations can choose from a large selection of price plans offering everything from low usage to 15GB data allowances for more demanding users.
Services can be delivered via a sim card for tablets such as the Apple iPad, a mobile broadband dongle or a Mi-Fi device, capable of creating a Wi-Fi hotspot that can simultaneously connect five wireless-enabled devices.
JANET has reported substantial interest in the service from educational institutions across the UK, with more than 60 enquiries made in the week following its unveiling.
Communications minister Ed Vaizey has welcomed the launch, commenting: "I am delighted that the education sector is putting in place plans to provide wireless broadband for the academic community.
"This is a really exciting development and will help us achieve our goal of having the best broadband in Europe by 2015."
Tim Marshall, chief executive of JANET, added the service is "a perfect example of our ability to respond to meet the needs of education and research".
JANET 3G was launched at the Networkshop 39 expo in Hertfordshire earlier this month.
Subscribers can connect to the network by typing in their username and password at any Eduroam-enabled site in the UK, without the need to create a guest account.
It is currently available at institutions such as the University of Central Lancashire, Brunel University and Goldsmiths, University of London.