Colleges and universities have demanding internet needs, as there is a high volume of users and a high volume of traffic. Internet users conduct research, plan projects, write essays, and more, unlike home users, who may only be using internet connections for casual browsing.

That’s why the team at BearCom works to install private LTE for colleges and universities nationwide. Contact us to find out how we can help your educational institution improve internet access across campus!

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Benefits of Private LTE vs Wi-Fi for Colleges and Universities

Colleges and universities are essential for educating and training the professionals of tomorrow. In order for students to graduate with all the skills they need, they need access to reliable internet.

University staff needs reliable internet, as well, regardless of where on campus they may be working, whether that’s in the dining hall taking credit card payments, in the library archives underground, or in a crowded lecture hall.

There are a few options for securing internet access across a wide region, including Wi-Fi, but private LTE is the best choice. First, though, what exactly is it?

Private LTE 101

If you’ve ever used your smartphone to access the internet while on the go—say, when checking your email while waiting in line at the grocery store, or streaming music on your morning jog—then you’ve used an LTE network before. In these cases, the LTE network is operated by your cell phone provider; anyone else who uses that same provider can access the network.

Private LTE, then, is also an LTE network that allows for remote, wireless internet connections, but the network only allows authorized users to access it, making them a great fit for colleges and universities who have to accommodate thousands of internet users.

Compared to Wi-Fi, private LTE is:

• More secure
• 5G-ready
• Scalable
• Has higher volume capacity than Wi-Fi

In addition, private LTE can cover a greater area. College campuses can cover several miles, including entire blocks in congested cities, as well as spread-out buildings in rural areas. The best way to get coverage for everyone who needs it while on campus is through private LTE.

Best of all, private LTE can be more cost-effective than Wi-Fi. Its greater coverage and strength requires less infrastructure to invest in and maintain.

Private LTE Through CBRS

One of the most effective ways to implement private LTE is through CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service). This kind of internet access:

• Maximizes spectrum efficiency
• Requires a lower starting investment, which benefits administrators and keeps costs lower for students
• Is 5G ready

Case Study: Patterson USD

In 2020, BearCom worked with the Patterson Unified School District in California to deploy a district-wide private LTE on a CBRS platform for students.

The school district has over 6,000 students, and in early 2020, many of them did not have an internet connection at home—a common issue nationwide, as upwards of one in three American homes do not have internet.

By working with BearCom, the Patterson USD was able to implement a private LTE network for students in the area. Since the network is private, only people affiliated with the school district can access it—making it more secure from cyber threats.

Elevate Education With Private LTE for Colleges and Universities

When it’s time to invest in private LTE for colleges and universities, there are many factors to consider. When you work with the experts at BearCom, our trained and certified technicians can provide you with an end-to-end, turn-key solution that starts with a custom design and installation, and includes provisions and maintenance to keep your systems up and running smoothly.

Contact us today to get started!