Digital transformation is a strategic priority for Public Administrations worldwide, aiming to modernise services for citizens and optimise the workflow of public servants. High-performance, secure, and always-on network connectivity is now the essential vehicle for this evolution. However, budget constraints, technological obsolescence, and cybersecurity threats represent major challenges for public entities.
In the face of these challenges, the "WiFi as a Service" (WaaS) model from Wifirst—Europe's leading B2B telecommunications operator—stands out as a reliable and comprehensive solution. Wifirst has already earned the trust of top-tier public organisations across Europe, including Ministries of Defence, Student Accommodation bodies, and Education Authorities.
1. A Results-Oriented Model: Securing Public Service Quality
Wifirst's fundamental principle is simple: "An operator should operate what they deploy, and deploy what they operate." To ensure full accountability, Wifirst commits to a contractual Service Level Agreement (SLA), rather than just a number of WiFi access points to be installed.
- Commitment to Results: This virtuous model is based on contractual performance guarantees regarding quality of service.
- Reliability for Public Service Missions: Civil servants, teachers, students, and citizens require flawless connectivity for modern uses (e-learning, video collaboration, online assessments, digital administration). Wifirst ensures this network robustness.
- Unmatched Expertise: Public entities benefit from Wifirst's unique WiFi expertise, honed through operating over 450,000 access points in the most complex and secure environments.
2. Budget Security and Optimisation of Public Spending
One of the greatest strengths of WiFi as a Service is its ability to meet the strict requirement for multi-year public budget control:
- From CAPEX to OPEX: Administrations benefit from a fixed, "all-inclusive" subscription. This transforms heavy initial investment (CAPEX) into a smoothed, predictable operating expense (OPEX).
- No More Hidden Costs: The offer includes equipment upgrades, supervision, maintenance, and support. This model prevents hidden fees and eliminates the impact of technological obsolescence on public budgets.
- The Volume Advantage: As a leading European Managed WiFi operator, Wifirst allows local authorities and public bodies to benefit from significant economies of scale thanks to its purchasing power on hardware.
3. Guaranteeing Network Security and Sovereignty
Network security is a non-negotiable priority for the Public Sector.
- Expertise and Responsibility: Wifirst fully assumes responsibility for the security of the networks it operates, backed by its experience in highly sensitive environments (Defence, Banking, Industrial sectors).
- Data Sovereignty: All data processed by Wifirst is stored on its own servers, hosted in European data centres, ensuring sovereignty and control over information.
- Compliance and Certifications: Wifirst is ISO 27001 certified (Information Security). Our solutions adhere to the strictest security frameworks, offer cryptographic protection, and guarantee full compliance with personal data regulations (UK GDPR / EU GDPR).
4. Sustainable Digital Transformation (Green IT)
The Wifirst model aligns directly with the ecological transition and "Green IT" objectives of public administrations:
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Wifirst's carbon intensity is four times lower than the telecommunications sector average (Source: ADEME).
- Sustainability and Circular Economy: Wifirst integrates eco-responsibility by design: extending hardware lifespan, rationalising equipment usage, and implementing circular management with a focus on refurbishment or local WEEE recycling at end-of-life.
- Strong CSR Commitment: These concrete policies earned Wifirst the Ecovadis Silver Medal in 2025.
5. Unburdening Public IT Departments to Accelerate Transformation
IT departments (CIOs) within administrations are key players in modernisation. It is essential to free their resources from low-value operational tasks.
- Focus on Core Business: By delegating network responsibility to Wifirst, CIOs can focus on strategic challenges and integrating digital solutions for citizens and staff.
- 24/7 Operational Efficiency: The full-service package includes proactive supervision based on Artificial Intelligence to anticipate and correct malfunctions, saving valuable time for operations teams and optimising costs.
- Integrated Support: Wifirst guarantees 24/7 multi-channel support, as well as procedures and tools that integrate transparently with the organisation's existing alert chains.
Conclusion
For Public Administrations, choosing WiFi as a Service from Wifirst means adopting a technological solution that reconciles performance, security, compliance, and environmental responsibility. It is a partnership that transforms network infrastructure into a lever for accelerating digital transformation, while offering predictable and optimised budget management.
Wifirst supports you in achieving your major objectives: robustness, security, accessibility, quality, and eco-responsibility of your IT infrastructure.
