Government Transformation Team - wireless network

Summary

A request for detailed technical specifications and maintenance records regarding the wireless network at Castle Rushen High School was partially fulfilled, with the Cabinet Office disclosing only that it supports RF-emitting devices like computers and phones, while stating it does not hold records on installation, standards, or future plans.

Key Facts

• Government Transformation Services (GTS) manages wireless networks via a contract with Manx Telecom.
• The Cabinet Office does not hold records on installation dates, wireless standards, deployment scale, or transmission profiles for Castle Rushen High School.
• GTS supports RF-emitting systems including computers and mobile phones provided to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture at the school.
• The authority suggests submitting separate FOI requests to the Department of Infrastructure regarding external equipment and the Department of Education regarding future plans.
• The response was issued on 27 February 2026 following a request received on 17 February 2026.

Data Disclosed

• 2026-02-17
• 2026-02-27
• 5307889
• IM1 3PN
• 01624 686244

Original Request

I am writing to request some factual information regarding the wireless network infrastructure currently in use at Castle Rushen High School (CRHS). I understand that Government Transformation Services is responsible for monitoring and managing network connections across secondary schools, and sit under Cabinet. In order to better understand the system in place at CRHS, I would be grateful if you could provide clarification on the following points: 1. When the wireless network at CRHS was last installed, upgraded, or modified in any capacity (including any work carried out over the summer period). 2. The wireless standards currently in use at the school (for example, Wi-Fi versions and frequency bands enabled). 3. The general scale of the deployment, such as the number of wireless access points and the types of areas in which they are installed (e.g. classrooms, corridors, shared spaces). 4. Whether the system transmits continuously or uses adaptive or demand-based transmission. 5. Whether any other RF-emitting systems are managed or supported by GTS at the school site (for example Bluetooth systems, wireless CCTV links, or mobile signal repeaters). 6. Whether any externally mounted telecommunications or RF transmission equipment (such as antennas, small cells, or repeaters) is installed on , nearby, or managed as part of the CRHS site. 7 Clarify any plans for further upgrades 8. Does GTS holds or relies upon any technical guidance, safety documentation, or risk assessments in relation to the deployment and operation of wireless networks in secondary schools, and whether such documentation is available to share. Please attach it in the response. Thank you

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

1

Government Office Douglas Isle of Man IM1 3PN Telephone: (+44) 01624 686244
Website: www.gov.im/co

Our ref: 5307889 27 February 2026

Dear ###

We write further to your request, received 17 February 2026, which states:

"I am writing to request some factual information regarding the wireless network infrastructure currently in use at Castle Rushen High School (CRHS).

I understand that Government Transformation Services is responsible for monitoring and managing network connections across secondary schools, and sit under Cabinet.

In order to better understand the system in place at CRHS, I would be grateful if you could provide clarification on the following points:

1. When the wireless network at CRHS was last installed, upgraded, or modified in any capacity (including any work carried out over the summer period).

2. The wireless standards currently in use at the school (for example, Wi-Fi versions and frequency bands enabled).

3. The general scale of the deployment, such as the number of wireless access points and the types of areas in which they are installed (e.g. classrooms, corridors, shared spaces).

4. Whether the system transmits continuously or uses adaptive or demand- based transmission.

5. Whether any other RF-emitting systems are managed or supported by GTS at the school site (for example Bluetooth systems, wireless CCTV links, or mobile signal repeaters).

6. Whether any externally mounted telecommunications or RF transmission equipment (such as antennas, small cells, or repeaters) is installed on , nearby, or managed as part of the CRHS site.

7. Clarify any plans for further upgrades 2

8. Does GTS holds or relies upon any technical guidance, safety documentation, or risk assessments in relation to the deployment and operation of wireless networks in secondary schools, and whether such documentation is available to share. Please attach it in the response.

Thank you" While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the Cabinet Office does not hold some of the information that you have requested.
Government Transformation Services, (GTS), which is a division of Cabinet Office can confirm that the provision of wireless networks is part of a managed service contract with our comms supplier, Manx Telecom. However, GTS does not hold records pertaining to Castle Rushen High School networks on the following: • Installation, upgrades, modifications • Wireless standards • Deployment, configuration, topology • Transmission profiles • Externally mounted plant • Future plans • Technical or governance documents As such the Cabinet Office does not hold the information you have asked for in relation to questions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 or 8 of your request. However, in relation to question 5 of your request, Cabinet Office can advise that GTS supports RF-emitting systems which includes computers and mobile phones provided to the Department of Education Sport and Culture used at the Castle Rushen High School site. For advice and assistance, you may wish to submit a Freedom of Information request to the Department of Infrastructure as they may hold records relating to externally mounted communications equipment on Government sites.
You may also wish to submit a Freedom of Information request to the Department of Education, Sport and Culture who may hold information relating to any future plans to extend wireless network coverage at their sites. You can submit a Freedom of Information request to the Department of Infrastructure and the Department of Education, Sport and Culture via the Isle of Man Government online Freedom of Information portal here: https://www.gov.im/about-the- government/freedom-of-information/make-a-freedom-of-information-request/
3 Alternatively, the Department of Infrastructure can be contacted directly using these details: Department of Infrastructure Head Office Sea Terminal Douglas Isle of Man IM1 2RF

Telephone: 01624 850000
Email: Enquiries@Highways.gov.im

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture can be contacted using these details:

Department of Education, Sport and Culture Thie Slieau Whallian St John's Isle of Man IM4 3AS

Telephone: 01624 685808 Email: Admin.desc@gov.im

Please quote the reference number 5307889 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. 4 More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.