Wi-Fi installations are sometimes seen as a ‘one size fits all’ solution – an approach that doesn’t work for marinas. Our specialist knowledge, gained from the deployment of mobile networks in venues and recent changes in technology enables us to deliver and fund a radically improved service for this sector.
We approach Wi-Fi deployments with over ten years’ experience successfully designing networks for mobile network operators. We are rigorous in ensuring that coverage tests are completed and signal propagation models built to test the coverage areas – and we always deploy the optimum number of access points to make sure that demand will be met. Our funding model guarantees great performance.
Marinas are unlike other locations that need Wi-Fi. The connectivity demands of marinas are intrinsically different to those of offices, shopping centres and sports stadiums. Berths are visited more frequently during the summer and this leads to an increase in both the number of devices connecting to Wi-Fi at any one time and the overall demand on the network. With boats becoming ‘smarter’ and relying on a continuous flow of data, as well as the increased operational needs of marinas, it’s clear that installing a few access points around a marina will not deliver fit-for-purpose connectivity.
Improving berth holder and visitor satisfaction is something all marinas think about. Enabling people to surf the internet, enjoy uninterrupted streaming and downloads through the provision of fit-for-purpose Wi-Fi is a sure-fire way to increase customer satisfaction. Operational efficiency will automatically improve as more services are offered online – from mobile (digital) transactions for refreshments and fuel payment to the ability for berthholders to send messages or raise issues without leaving their boats.
Improving Wi-Fi connectivity is vital for many reasons:
We review marina plans and then organise a site survey. The survey is essential to gather information and enable a design to be created; we also measure the existing Wi-Fi connectivity levels
We create the marina in a 3D modelling tool that allows us to test the best equipment locations and ensure that the system will perform as needed
We present our design and pricing options
Annual fee and contract are agreed
We fund the installation and integration
The system goes live; no annual payment is due until this point
Founded in 2007, Shared Access has a long history of investing and developing infrastructure. We have built deep links to our mobile operator and landlord partners over that time period to ensure that we always deliver – and this is borne out with the quality of our partners. In the venue space we have been trusted by strategically important organisations like Newcastle Airport, Dundrum Shopping Centre (the largest shopping centre in Ireland) and by Tottenham Hotspur as they built the greatest stadium in the world.
