For many schools, broadband is one of those essential services that just ticks along in the background. As long as the internet works, the contract itself rarely gets much attention. The problem is that broadband agreements are often long, complex, and expensive. Over time, schools can end up paying far more than they need to — without seeing any improvement in performance or reliability.
A regular broadband contract review can make a real difference. In some cases, it uncovers savings worth thousands of pounds that can be redirected straight back into teaching and learning. This is exactly where our Department for Education (DfE)-approved framework supports schools.
Overcharging that goes unnoticed
Broadband pricing has changed significantly over the last few years, but many schools are still tied into contracts agreed under very different market conditions. It’s not uncommon to see schools paying legacy prices that no longer reflect what the service actually costs today.
A contract review compares what a school is paying against current education-sector rates. When this is done properly, overcharging becomes obvious. Schools often find they can secure the same — or better — service at a much lower monthly cost.
Through the Everything ICT framework, schools benefit from pre-tendered suppliers who are benchmarked against the wider market. That means pricing is transparent and competitive from the start, without the need for lengthy procurement exercises.
Outdated packages that no longer fit how schools work
Many broadband contracts were signed before cloud platforms, online assessments, video lessons, and multi-device classrooms became standard. As a result, schools may be paying for bandwidth that doesn’t match their actual usage — either too much in some areas or not enough where it matters.
A review looks closely at real usage, including:
- whether speeds hold up during peak times
- if the school is paying for capacity it never reaches
- how the number of connected devices has changed
Everything ICT works with schools to assess real-world usage and align it with an appropriate broadband package. The aim isn’t just to cut costs, but to make sure the service genuinely supports teaching, admin, and safeguarding requirements.
Unnecessary add-ons quietly inflating costs
Broadband contracts can include extras that sounded useful at the time but now add little value. This might include:
- managed services that duplicate existing in-house support
- backup lines that are no longer required
- security features already covered elsewhere
Individually, these add-ons may seem minor. Over the life of a contract, however, they can add up to a substantial cost.
A structured review helps schools identify what is essential, what can be streamlined, and what can be removed entirely.
Paying for poor service levels
One of the biggest frustrations schools report is paying premium prices for broadband that doesn’t deliver. Slow response to faults and outages, unclear support arrangements, and vague service level agreements can all leave schools stuck with unreliable connections and little leverage.
A broadband review isn’t just about cost — it’s about value. It checks whether the service levels promised in the contract are actually being met and whether they still reflect what a school needs today.
Through Everything ICT, schools are supported to either renegotiate improved terms or move to a supplier that offers better reliability and accountability.
Switching or renegotiating without the headache
One of the main reasons broadband contracts are left untouched is the assumption that changing them will be time-consuming and disruptive. In practice, with the right framework in place, switching or renegotiating is often far simpler than expected.
By using Everything ICT, schools can avoid running a full procurement process themselves. Suppliers are already approved and documentation is streamlined, reducing the administrative burden for school leaders and business managers while still delivering robust, compliant outcomes.
Savings that make a real difference
When broadband contracts are reviewed properly, savings are often identified. This might mean lower monthly charges, removing services that are no longer needed, or securing better performance for the same level of spend — all of which can have a real financial impact for schools.
Those savings can be reinvested where they matter most — devices, staff development, classroom resources, or wider digital strategy.
By supporting schools through every stage — from reviewing existing contracts and identifying issues, to negotiating improved terms or moving to a new supplier — Everything ICT helps ensure broadband is no longer a “set and forget” cost, but a well-managed service that delivers value year after year.
If your broadband contract hasn’t been reviewed recently, there’s a strong chance you’re paying more than you need to. A structured review can be one of the simplest ways to free up budget without compromising on quality. Everything ICT supports schools in accessing approved suppliers to carry out a contract review and manage the next steps, whether that’s renegotiating terms or moving to a better-suited service.
