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Derry Wireless Broadband Project
Challenge
The Northwest has a growing economy and requires an appropriate telecommunications infrastructure to support its rural and urban economic development. Broadband was seen as a key infrastructure requirement in the areas economic development, however coverage of affordable broadband at the time was limited.
In 2002, WesternConnect identified an opportunity for trialling a wireless broadband network in areas not traditionally served by network operators.
Solution
Working with DETI a feasibility study was undertaken to review international best practice in terms of wireless broadband, evaluate wireless technologies suitable for the area taking into account regulatory and planning issues, locations for the trial and potential partners.
Following acceptance of the feasibility study a broadband wireless pilot was identified for 2 major industrial parks in Derry City.
As part of the trial WesternConnect managed the whole network rollout and implementation. This process involved:
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Selection of technology partner |
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Recruitment of pilot companies to participate on trial |
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Planning and regulatory approval |
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Mentoring of pilot companies |
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Support and Evaluation |
WesternConnect consultants worked with the technology partner in the rollout and implementation of the network at the pilot company sites.
Achievements
The network was launched on the 1st October 2003 as the first commercial wireless broadband network in Northern Ireland. To date 14 of the 18 participating companies have signed up to a commercial service with our technology partner.
Customer Satisfaction
"The wireless broadband trial provided by WesternConnect has allowed our organisation to make the leap from narrowband to broadband quicker. The advice and, support from WesternConnect and the plug and play nature of the trial has been excellent."
Tony Brennan, Director, October Stone Design
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Armagh Monaghan Corridor Goes Digital with the help of WesternConnect
Challenge
In 2000, Monaghan and Armagh councils came together to create a virtual link between offices on both sides of the border. WesternConnect was commissioned by the Armagh Monaghan Digital Corridor (AMDC) to undertake a feasibility study for this project.
The objective of the study was to provide recommendations on how to create a truly digital corridor to linking businesses in the two centres and create a world class digital hub in the border region.
Solution
WesternConnect was contracted to carry out an extensive research and consultation process to assess telecoms status of the two areas and to identify the potential solutions that would meet the AMDC's business and technical requirements.
Consultants from WesternConnect proposed the implementation of a Broadband Access service which would provide companies along the corridor with sufficient bandwidth based on their projected business growth.
WesternConnect invited network operators to submit proposals and costs to develop telecommunications services in the area. These proposals were evaluated by the WesternConnect team for their technical viability, cost effectiveness, scalability and sustainability.
As part of the engagement, WesternConnect developed a detailed action plan for the AMDC and provided them with a comprehensive funding application to secure the resources required to complete the project.
Achievements
The Armagh Monaghan Digital Corridor is currently securing the funding required to complete the recommendations made by WesternConnect. The AMDC will have a Broadband connection in place by Q4 2004
Customer Satisfaction
"The WesternConnect team have provided invaluable industry expertise and consultancy support to AMDC since our inception. I consider them to be an integral part of our development moving forward"
Bernard Conlon, Business Development Manager, AMDC
Fermanagh Broadband Demand Stimulation and awareness Campaign
Challenge
In 2003 Fermanagh District Council contracted Westernconnect to deliver a broadband awareness and stimulation campaign to all parts of County Fermanagh. The aim of the campaign was to raise awareness to broadband and utimately deliver the technology to all parts of the County.
At the start of the project, broadband via ADSL was unavailable in Co. Fermanagh. Fermanagh had 16 exchanges that required upgrading in order that ADSL broadband could be available. The campaign also focused on the other technologies that would reach the areas that ADSL could not.
Solution
Throughout the campaign Westernconnect managed the delivery of the following activities to increase demand and create awareness:
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Awareness Events
- Postcard Campaign
- Press Releases
- Distrbution of Information Folders
- Internet Roadshow
- Advanced Internet Access and Email Course
Seven demonstration centres were established throughout the County to enable Companies to experience Broadband for themselves and to encourage uptake of the technology. Six of these centres provide broadband via a Satellite connection, the other one povides broadband via a 2mb leased line. The centres were fully funded for 1 year and staff were trained on how best to demonstrate the service.
A very successful postcard campaign was used as a means of gathering registrations. Prepaid postcards were distributed throughout the County and those returned accounted for 56% of all registrations gathered.
Achievements
The first goal was achieved just two weeks into the campaign when Enniskillen Exchange reached its trigger level and a date for the enablement of the exchange was released. ADSL Broadband has been available in Enniskillen since September 2003.
By March 2004, 8 out of the 16 exchanges in County Fermanagh had achieved trigger levels and had either been enabled or were awaiting enablement dates.These included:
- Enniskillen Enabled September 2003
- Lisnaskea enabled May 2004
- Tempo enabled June 2004
- Belcoo enabled June 2004
- Lisbellaw enabled June 2004
- Kesh RFS September 2004
- Florencecourt September 2004
- Belleek September 2004
Overall the project proved to be a huge success, and Westernconnect contributed greatly to this.
Westernconnects innovative approach gave the project a leading edge over similar campaigns.
Westernconnects focus on delivering tangible results meant that the project had clear objectives from the beginning to the end of the project.
The Fermanagh Broadband campaign ended with all 16 exchanges in Fermanagh having an enablement date.
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