Published on 05 October 2023
The University of Sunderland, Sunderland City Council and Boldyn Networks have announced a new partnership to expand EduROAM to the city’s outdoor Wi-Fi network, enabling seamless, secure connectivity for students, educators, and researchers.
The project will provide superfast internet accessibility across Sunderland, allowing members of the University and global educational institutions with EduROAM credentials to automatically, and securely, connect to the city’s public Wi-Fi, creating uninterrupted connectivity between the University's City and St Peter's campuses and the city centre.
Introducing EduROAM across the public Wi-Fi network, which covers the city of Sunderland, for the first time will help to create a more interconnected and digitally inclusive community, encouraging remote collaboration and continuous learning between researchers and students. The security features ensure that users' data remains protected, providing user confidence in accessing services securely from off campus.
David Conway, Technical Director at the University of Sunderland, said: “Students have an expectation of ubiquitous connectivity and being able to traverse our city and access the internet using EduROAM with their trusted credentials makes a significant difference.”
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The addition of EduROAM will offer world-class connectivity, helping to attract students, academics, and professionals to the city. The easy to access Wi-Fi coverage will also boost access to online resources, information, and educational content, enabling engagement in online learning, job searching, and communication.
Patrick Melia, Chief Executive at Sunderland City Council, said: “Opening up opportunities for people across our smart city of Sunderland will help them to realise their potential. In our fast moving, tech-driven world, leveraging the power of technology to help educate and connect people is crucial.
“By placing the University of Sunderland at the forefront of innovation in 5G and Internet of Things technologies, we can enable and inspire students, businesses and residents across the city.
“Building on our proud, industrial heritage, we are now shaping the future of new and growing sectors via partnerships such as this with Boldyn Networks and the University of Sunderland. Sunderland is rapidly becoming a hub for the digital industries of the future with innovative skills provision at the heart of this evolution.”
The move marks a significant step in Sunderland City Council’s and Boldyn Network’s partnership to accelerate Sunderland’s ambition of creating the UK’s most advanced smart city.
Claire Venners, General Manager at Boldyn Networks, said: “Boosting access to superfast secure connectivity plays a vital role in enhancing the city's attractiveness as a hub for high quality education and innovation. EduROAM will bring a wide range of benefits, from driving economic growth, stimulating entrepreneurship and attracting businesses. We are extremely proud of the work Boldyn is doing in partnership with Sunderland City Council and the University of Sunderland to bring world-class wireless connectivity, creating a smarter, more connected, and thriving city.”
Charles O’Reilly, Commercial Director Smart Places UK at Boldyn Networks, said: “Quality connectivity has the power to transform education, and providing access to greater Wi-Fi coverage is key to bringing students the best possible opportunities. This latest project is a huge testament to our wider work to support Sunderland City Council’s drive towards becoming one of the UK’s leading smart cities.”
This announcement follows the partnership between the University, Sunderland City Council and Boldyn Networks to deploy advanced wireless 5G technology across the University’s campuses to support research, enhance teaching and the student experience as part of its smart city infrastructure roll-out.