Gateshead technology specialist wins six-figure contract to provide next generation Wi-Fi

A Gateshead technology specialist has won a six-figure contract to provide next generation Wi-Fi services to a Durham high school as part of a national Government IT initiative.

Advantex won the work as part of a deal to supply Belmont Community School, with a specially configured Wi-Fi system and switching technology running on new fibre optic cabling. The firm is also supporting the project with a 24/7 maintenance and management package.

Improved Wi-Fi capability has been installed across the school’s campus as part of an initiative that will support a suite of technologies to keep almost 800 students, teachers and support staff safely online either onsite or working remotely.

The work is being carried out under the Department for Education’s ‘Connect the Classroom’ scheme, which is providing hundreds of millions of pounds of national funding to help schools across the country upgrade their network and IT provision.

Dan Brinton, deputy headteacher at Belmont Community School, said: “We have been impressed by Advantex’s added value Wi-Fi solution and how they have bought into the spirit of the ‘Connect the Classroom’ scheme. Our investment will deliver not only a great resource but also one of the best possible learning environments for teachers, pupils and support staff.”

Stephen O’Connell, sales and marketing director at Advantex, added: “At Advantex, we understand the Government’s technology for education requirements and continue to be at the forefront of delivering the quality network and connectivity solutions schools right across the North East need for the future to better serve their pupils.”

Currently employing 50 people and targeting a £6m turnover this year, the firm is seeing growth on the back of new product and service introductions, investment in a highly skilled workforce and a strong pipeline of orders on the books for 2022.