About Our Community Wi-Fi
Digital Exclusion affects millions of individuals in the UK. However, it also impacts at a community level: community spaces are often unconnected, impacting local people frequenting these spaces and organisations looking to use such spaces to deliver valuable community service.
In collaboration with our partner Virgin Media O2, Jangala is partnering with UK organisations to supply them with Big Box, an innovative, simple and powerful solution that provides Wi-Fi connectivity to support community initiatives.
The programme is offered at no cost to participating organisations.
Please apply by the 25th April for your application to be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a Big Box and how does it work?
Big Box is a lightweight briefcase-sized device that transforms any form of internet connectivity into Wi-Fi that is easy to manage and scale, from tens to thousands of users.
Big Box's dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities, combined with additional access points, can serve from 100-500 simultaneous users depending on bandwidth.
Who does Jangala work with?
We work with organisations, councils, charities or schools who work with people who need connectivity for community activities. The reasons for digital exclusion are varied, and we are committed to tackling it in all its forms.
Our current partners include schools, education charities, NHS trusts, local councils, refuges, refugee charities and digital inclusion charities. If you are unsure as to whether your organisation qualifies, please get in touch.
What will my responsibilities be as an Our Community Wi-Fi hub?
Each Our Community Wi-Fi hub will need to select a designated Hub Manager to oversee the installation and continuous use of the equipment. We will check in after a month and three months to understand how it’s being used and what impact it is having on your community activities.
What is involved in setting up a Big Box?
Big Box comes pre-configured and can be set up at the touch of a button. However, if your centre requires additional equipment such as access points or an external antenna to boost signal, you may need to install these yourselves with Jangala support. We don’t expect this to take more than 1-2 hours.
How do I become an Our Community Wi-Fi hub?
You will need to complete an application form here. Please read through the questions first to understand if you have all the necessary information.
How much data do I get with a Big Box?
Each Big Box will be provided with 2 unlimited data VMO2 SIMs which can be inserted into Big Box’s 2 SIM ports and will combine to create a faster network.
How many people can Big Box Wi-Fi support?
Big Box's dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities, combined with additional access points, can serve from 100-500 simultaneous users depending on bandwidth.
The site we work in is in an area of very low O2 signal - will Big Box still work?
Using antennas, which connect to Big Box, will boost the signal but if you do work in an area with very low mobile signal, we will need to work with you to understand if Big Box is suitable for you.
Are there any costs associated with the Our Community Wi-Fi programme?
No, this programme is entirely funded so there are no costs for Jangala partners.