September 2010 – Q & A about wireless networks at events
Press releases
For further information contact:
Becky Martin-Jones / Mark Hook
www.ascentpr.co.uk
etherlive@ascentpr.co.uk
T. 01454 629 741
Reliable Connectivity Makes Hot Air of Balloon Fiesta Safety Concerns
27 September 2010 – Etherlive has helped organisers of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, which attracts over 500,000 attendees, to successfully manage their onsite telecommunications and broadband services.
Richmond Event Management (REM), lead contractor for Europe’s largest Hot Air Balloon event, had concerns over the communications systems used on the site. If disrupted this could raise security issues, or threaten communications between organisers and those working on balloons flights, posing possible public safety risks.
Chris Green, managing director at Etherlive says, “With the Balloon Fiesta attracting more and more people each year, the organisers wanted to safeguard their necessary communications to ensure the safety, security and organisation of the event.
“We were able to do this through the provision of wireless internet access and VOIP handsets to the core crew managing the fiesta. We also installed a back-up service in case of a power outage, and remote phone lines so organisers could relocate to the event and not miss vital calls or messages.”
Ben Hardy of REM, explains, “Dependable comms has become crucial to the success of a large outdoor event like the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. In the past we tried a variety of solutions, like fully installed phone lines, but these were expensive.
“We approached Etherlive, and its guarantee of a trustworthy system proved accurate, enabling us to fully control operations and ensure reliable communications between staff and those at flight control and our media centre. Etherlive’s approach was also more cost effective than in years previous”.
Chris Green summarises, “We’re pleased to have been able to help the organisers manage security and communication issues successfully for the events duration, and that our efforts aided to the smooth running of this year’s Bristol Balloon Fiesta”.
ENDS
About Etherlive
A successful event depends on great performances. From WOMAD and The Green Man Festival to the Southampton Boat Show and the Three Counties Show, Etherlive is the one that makes IT work. Etherlive sits behind the scenes delivering reliable Wi-Fi internet, telephony, CCTV, laptops, PDQs and interactive messaging. Whether in a field or a building, Etherlive makes connectivity simple.
September 2010 – Show grounds waking up to the need for connectivity
Etherlive approached C4L to provide a wireless leased line to support our backhaul connectivity for the Bournemouth Air Show where Etherlive provided free wi-fi access along the length of the beach to support an iPhone application launched for the air show this year. In addition Etherlive provided a number of organiser services such as VoIP telephony and internet access.
Extract from the C4L press release follows:
“C4L has set up a wireless point to point link between County Gates House and the Cumberland Hotel in Bournemouth in order to provide the Cumberland Hotel rooms, bar and pool area with Internet connectivity. Etherlive will be providing free Internet access to all attendees watching the Air Show from the beach, as well as giving the Air Show’s event organisers some key services, including a number of Wireless VoIP phones. This has been made possible by C4L’s Wireless Leased Line Service.
Matt Hawkins, Managing Director of C4L commented ‘When we were approached by Etherlive, we were more than happy to oblige to their request of our using our services to provide the Bournemouth Air Show with Internet connectivity. This is a fantastic opportunity for C4L to deploy our Wireless Leased Service to such a high calibre local event. The introduction of our Wireless Leased Line Service will provide the UK with an alternative connectivity option that can reach areas which traditionally have limited connectivity’.
C4L’s Wireless Leased Line service has been devised to address the ever increasing gap between broadband speeds in areas close to the telephone exchange, and those further away. The service has been developed via thorough research and by using C4L’s existing Internet Infrastructure. Wireless Leased Lines work by transmitting radio, microwave or laser technology frequencies to a receiver giving them a private, uncontended, high speed Internet connection. To provide a high speed wireless connection to the Air Show an antenna was deployed on the roof of the Bournemouth data centre which then links with another antenna on the Cumberland Hotel, allowing for connectivity within a three mile radius. C4L will be extending their wireless presence over the upcoming months to ensure maximum coverage across the UK.”
For further information contact:
Helen Stevens
www.ascentpr.co.uk
t. 01454 629 741
etherlive@ascentpr.co.uk
August 2010 – Top tips for festival-goers from Etherlive
For further information contact:
Mark Hook / Becky Martin-Jones
www.ascentpr.co.uk
etherlive@ascentpr.co.ukT. 01454 629 741
Free Wi-Fi at WOMAD
21 July 2010 – Festival-goers will have free access to Wi-Fi internet at the annual World of Music, Arts and Dance (WOMAD) festival in July, thanks to event specialists Etherlive.
Etherlive has enabled WOMAD to lead the way with introducing mobile technology to improve people’s festival experience. Free internet access will allow visitors to download a range of content and apps that have been made available by the event organisers.
Chris Smith, Festival Director, at WOMAD says, “We are constantly looking for ways to improve the festival experience for people and free internet access does that. It allows people to stream Radio WOMAD, keep up with the latest events on Twitter and Facebook and means that smart phone applications can operate well on the festival site.
“We are also offering a free WOMAD iPhone app which is available for download and offers features such as line ups and timings, maps to help you find your way around and the ability to buy music from featured artists.”
ENDS
About Etherlive
A successful event depends on great performances. From WOMAD and The Green Man Festival to the Southampton Boat Show and the Three Counties Show, we are the ones that make IT work. Etherlive sits behind the scenes delivering reliable Wi-Fi internet, telephony, laptops, PDQs and interactive messaging. Whether in a field or a building, we make connectivity simple.
July 2010 – Rock and wristbands beat paper at WOMAD festival