cooper Posted March 11, 2017 Posted March 11, 2017 Hi, Anyone know whats going on with HIC Connectivity Procurement. May bail out and go with our own choice of provider if they go with someone else.
6Foot2 Posted March 12, 2017 Posted March 12, 2017 Last time HCC changed they moved from Virgin to Updata. Now they might be moving from Updata to another provider. Would you prefer that they stay with the current provider? I ask because the last move didn't make as much difference to us as I had anticipated it might.
HTCPCP Posted March 24, 2017 Posted March 24, 2017 I've heard rumours that it's RM with Lightspeed filtering too
soapyfish Posted March 27, 2017 Posted March 27, 2017 Does anyone think that the speed options are somewhat limited ?
cooper Posted March 27, 2017 Posted March 27, 2017 I think we are going to change suppliers for a better price/supplier.
HTCPCP Posted March 28, 2017 Posted March 28, 2017 Anyone going to the HICS meeting today regarding the new provision? From my understanding (well what i've been told by the BM who is dealing with it, is that the first year is the same price, but then might drop in years 2 and 3, and speeds are mostly the same, but with an option for a 200mb connection, but he's not exactly the best at giving us any information.
cooper Posted March 28, 2017 Posted March 28, 2017 I have not seen the invite to a meeting today. But have an alternative supplier in after seeing there prices. Looks like its going to work out better for us to jump ship. If you go let me know what you find out.
matte53 Posted March 29, 2017 Posted March 29, 2017 I went to the meeting yesterday & RM spent a couple of hours demonstrating what will be available. Benefits on the current contract include: * User/Group based web filtering through RM SafetyNet. The system has an AD sync tool to update users/groups. User based reporting was much better than the current system * Remote/VPN Access through RM SSL Connect - Again can be managed for users/groups & the ability to auto load an RDP session, drive maps (among other things) on logon. * Greater flexibility & management of Firewall, DNS entries etc * Ability to have management of your own virtual firewall rather than through the central HICS firewall * User based filtering via Transparent Proxy should also be available Having never been much of a fan of RM I was skeptical but they did speak well & the product looked an improvement on anything that has been offered recently. The issue for me is the price, it does seem more expensive than what we could potentially get elsewhere. It all seems very last minute with HICS requesting a decision as to whether you wish to renew by Friday, having only released the actual details of the provider & their offering at the meeting yesterday.... They won't turn anyone away if you don't decide by Friday but if they don't have the numbers they hope for they may not be able to negotiate a cheaper pricing tier with RM. Any thoughts from others as to what direction they may head in?
cooper Posted March 29, 2017 Posted March 29, 2017 Thanks for the update matte53, I'm not sure how you get a invitation to the RM meeting so missed out on that. Larger schools would all change providers if they find out how much they could save if they swapped providers. HICS have been giving schools the hard sell trying to get everyone to sign this week when we have until November so another term to make a choice unless you want to change your line from FTTC to FTTP Have a look here: Hertfordshire Schools - Schools Broadband
olewnikj Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 Can anyone recommend or advise alternative internet providers in the Hertfordshire area? We are contemplating the HICS renewal, but would like to explore other options before we buy into the 3 year agreement with RM.
cooper Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 Look at my link above. Schools broadband You have until the end of September to make your choice.
matte53 Posted March 31, 2017 Posted March 31, 2017 I've had quotes from a number of suppliers. Schools Broadband, Exa, RM directly, I'm still waiting on a price from Zen & one other. I've probably been most impressed with Exa so far.
cooper Posted March 31, 2017 Posted March 31, 2017 I would just make sure they can all deliver the content you need from county. Let me know how you get on.
deano3693 Posted March 31, 2017 Author Posted March 31, 2017 We are looking to go with SchoolsBroadband - would be interested in any one doing the same. All county services will be publicly accessible on the internet by September.
deano3693 Posted April 2, 2017 Author Posted April 2, 2017 That's good to hear - Lightspeed offers so much more than Safetynet in my opinon.
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