Dive Brief:
- Increasing demand for institutional bandwidth is creating opportunities for innovation when it comes to Internet speed, including partnerships across institutions.
- Aggregating demand through regional networks of colleges and universities, as well as local businesses and government, allows for cost-savings because of the bulk purchasing power.
- These consortia can get lower prices from existing Internet providers and also create an incentive for companies to lay high-capacity fiber in areas that don’t yet have it.
Dive Insight:
Whereas students used to come to campus with just one or two Internet-enabled devices like a laptop and a cell phone, many are showing up now with three or four, adding tablets and other electronics to the mix. Campuses are struggling to keep up with the demand for fast, reliable internet access.
In addition to the steps to improve the speed and bandwidth available, colleges and universities are increasingly charging students to cover the costs. The 2015 State of ResNet report showed nearly half of all institutions turning to user fees.