College Network Connection Charges

How much does it cost?

We will automatically add the connection charge at the end of each term.  You may Opt-Out of the charge if you don't want to use the College network.

Note: Students staying on and using the network during the long vacation will be billed one term's charge.

What Does it Cover?

The charge goes towards the provision of new, maintenance of existing, and periodic replacement of College network facilities plus the resulting internet traffic charges from the University.  All undergraduate student rooms contain one or more wired Ethernet connections which give access to the internet, e-mail, and the central resources of the University and Departments.  Over the last two years we have been investing in the University's Lapwing wireless service to serve many of the College's communal areas such as the FML, Gatehouse, Hepple Room, Latimer Room and MCR. 

During 2008-9 we are upgrading our whole network to support the increasing traffic demands and the University's new VoIP telephone system.  Wireless hotspots have been installed in the JCR, Buttery and Thirkill Room (2008).  We are installing wireless facilities in all new developments, recent implementations are Lerner Court and Castle End (2009).

Revised Charging Scheme

Since Michaelmas Term 2008-9 the charge for a Network Connection is added automatically to everyone's College bill, it will be itemised as "Computer Connection".  The College has decided to change to this way of charging for three reasons:

• Over 99% of students routinely choose to use our Network facilities.  It is far more efficient to exclude from the charge the few that do not use the services than having to spend several days each term identifying those who do.
• The College provides a mix of wired and wireless facilities to students, having an umbrella charge for network provision simplifies our administration allowing us to concentrate on improving the availability of network services.
• Some students have avoided connection charges by only using the Lapwing facility.  Lapwing is paid for by the connection charge. The revision to the charging scheme makes it fairer to all and easier to spot those who avoid paying their share.
  

Opting-Out of the Charge

The Network Connection Charge is not compulsory and only applies to rooms with a College-provided network service.  If you do not want to use the College's network services, you must opt out by completing this form at the start of each academic year:

Clare Network Opt-Out Form

By opting out, you agree to not use the wired or wireless facilities (the communal PWF computer facilities remain free to all).  If you are found to be in breach of the opt-out, you will be charged retrospectively.  The Opt-Out form must be printed, signed and submitted to the Bursary within one week of the start of Full Term.

SEE ALSO:

Report a computer problem

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