Case Studies

APC Solutions brings wireless connectivity to the Carmarthen community

In early 2011 APC Solutions won the Carmarthen Community Broadband Partnership (CCBP) tender in South Wales to install a wireless broadband network throughout the Carmarthen community. APC Solutions worked in partnership with local service provider ResQ IT. The aim of the Partnership was to provide a high speed Broadband service to those communities within the county where a reliable broadband service is not currently available. Initially, the service will run at a speed of 4.5Mbps but it is capable of faster speeds as and when circumstances require.

The challenge

Due to the extensive distance the network needed to cover, over 50km in places, point to point wireless technology was implemented. Using the Motorola PTP 800 licensed solution with a combination of licensed frequencies which are supplied by OFCOM, together with Motorola PTP 250 for the last mile connectivity, a throughput in excess of 100Mbs across the entire backhaul network was achieved with the flexibility of increasing the link throughput if required in the future without the expense of replacing the equipment.

Speaking about the project, Rob Turner, ResQ Director, comments: APC is the perfect partner to help us complete the installations across Carmarthenshire. Their wireless expertise is second to none and, coupled with our ISP and domestic knowledge, ensured the project was completed effectively, on budget and on time.”

Our solution

The solution was to move away from conventional copper telephone lines and to install a wireless system which will eventually cover the whole of the County. The wireless service is brought to the community (including outlying properties) via a series of existing radio towers located throughout Wales. Several small radio antennas are strategically placed throughout the community, typically one for each 20 properties. A small receiver (box) is mounted on the outside of each property which receives the wireless signal. A cable is run from the “box” to a router within the property enabling the residents to receive high bandwidth, wireless internet.

The result

The wireless broadband system resulted in broadband speeds comparable to those available in urban communities. Wireless broadband will enable customers to access the full range of services including email, web surfing, “Skype” communication, internet banking, streaming live television and previous TV programs provided by the BBC via “iPlayer” and provided on demand by the other major UK television channels.

No other supplier could provide consistent, high bandwidth, coverage across such vast distances, in the required timescales and within the required budget, it was for this reason that a wireless solution was chosen and provided a low cost highly reliable network.

Chris Lynch, Group Technical Director, comments: “We, at APC, think the CCBP is an excellent scheme to enable the Carmarthen community to join the wireless revolution. For too long, rural areas have had to go without high speed, reliable broadband due to the complexity and cost of traditional fibre connectivity. “Now, with wireless technology, distances as far as 250km apart can still be connected even over difficult terrain, where line of sight isn’t possible, even links over water can be connected successfully with today’s cutting edge wireless solutions. The project was rolled out in two phases during 2011 and 2012 and after the success of the first two phases; we look forward to expanding the network in 2015.

“Further to the fantastic reliability, the cost savings of a wireless network are also impressive. The initial outlay by the Welsh Assembly can be recouped within just a few years. And, with minimal on-going maintenance charges, the network delivers the most cost effective broadband on the market.”

APC continue to support the solution across South Wales.

The Welsh assembly hope to expand the project to cover further rural areas throughout 2015, with future phases already in the planning process.

For more information on the project please visit www.ccbp.org.uk

For more information on APC Solutions please visit www.apcsolutionsuk.com

APC Superfast Broadband Bronze 30 Package

"It is quite simply 1000 times better. The difference is incredible. Upload & Download is so quick. I uploaded 240MB to my Dropbox folder today in less than 2 mins. Before, it would have taken possibly all day.
Thanks very much indeed – very pleased"
Toby Pache, Managing Director, Sharon Lee Limited, Braintree

“We’re delighted with the new Wi-Fi solution which addresses all of our requirements. We needed to be able to offer visitors to the Town Hall free Wi-Fi, but we also needed our own encrypted network for internal use. The Town Hall regularly hosts events, is used as a wedding venue and features conference facilities all of which require access to Wi-Fi. Being able to offer Wi-Fi in to the function rooms where guests can log on for free is now an expected requirement of our guests and we couldn’t offer the Town Hall as a business venue without it!”
Braintree District Council

“We’re delighted we can now offer our supporters free Wi-Fi. Our supporters are highly dedicated and with many followers on Twitter alone, we had to ensure they could stay connected during and after the games. Having guest access in our clubhouse and functions rooms also ensures our meetings can run efficiently. The ability to track the usage of the Wi-Fi and offer a password protected corporate network is further testament to the great service APC Solutions has provided us with.”
Braintree Town FC

“With the waterways in constant use we needed connectivity that wouldn’t dip, could connect a multitude of sites across difficult terrain and provide a consistent and adaptable service. APC provided this to us with a managed wireless network. The cost savings of a wireless network also proved appealing when looking for a solution. Our existing solution could only provide 2Mbs whereas the wireless network would provide in excess of 20Mbs. The existing leased line services also had re-occurring annual rental costs, however with the new solution, the initial CAPEX costs would be recovered in just under two years; making the ROI very attractive. We had worked with APC previously and found their service exceptional.”
British Waterways

“APC is the perfect partner to help us complete the installations across Carmarthenshire. Their wireless expertise is second to none and, coupled with our ISP and domestic knowledge, ensured the project was completed effectively, on budget and on time.”
Carmarthen Community Broadband Partnership

“APC has ensured C.E.M Days can deliver the highest level of customer service to its customers across the dealership network because it offers a consistent and adaptable network. Our staff can now connect easily throughout our dealership network, ensuring customer data can be transferred at a click of a button. The network has also offered an excellent TOC (total cost of ownership), and delivered an ROI (return on investment) in just a few years, compared with alternative cabled solutions from other providers. The wireless network APC has built and developed for us over the years has saved us in excess of £700k since being installed back in 2007.”
C.E.M. Days

“Even though our solution is now five years old we don’t need to upgrade the system. The technology has stayed ahead of its time and the service we have received from APC is second to none.”
Essex Auto Group

“Previously, our old network between the two dealerships could only deliver limited bandwidth and performance, therefore restricting our business operations. The alternative solution APC designed and delivered is exceptional. It delivers a high bandwidth reliable link with no downtime, no monthly re-occuring costs, no lengthy contract terms and a team constantly on hand should we need them. It is critical to our business development and general day to day operations going forward, we couldn’t recommend it enough”
Gordons Bolton Limited

“APC has ensured our company can progress at a rapid rate. The ease of connectivity between the sites allows our dealerships to be consistent. Communication with the dealerships is now simple and any information needed to be delivered can be done at a click of a button. We don’t have to worry about bandwidths or sending large files, they’re easily supported and delivered.

This ensures consistent marketing and communication to customers and staff. The VoIP network also ensures our customers receive the very best in customer service. The person they speak to will instantly know their history and can deal with their call effectively. From a management point of view the cost savings and ROI speak for themselves. Our ROI will be achieved in less than four years and after this time will demonstrate savings in excess of £150k per annum, potentially saving us in excess of £1million over ten years. A remarkable saving for the company.”
Hendy Group

“APC Solutions has provided Selex with a network which delivers exceptional reliability. We had already planned where the radar needed to be but connecting over such distances was proving difficult. APC ensured the result catered to our needs and delivered an exceptional result.”
Selex Systems

“The selection was based purely on available feedbacks of organisations who have used Ruckus Wireless, Ruckus’ Wireless capabilities and features in addition to a report of a ‘Competitive Evaluation of Three-stream 802.11n Access Points’ carried out by the School of Information Studies, Syracuse University.

“While the reason for such a decision wasn’t based on the overall features offered by the shortlisted solutions, it was based on our judgment of the throughput levels that will meet the needs of the Forum partners and visitors alike. It is our belief that Ruckus Wireless’ ZoneFlex 7982 is a cost effective option which offers the best overall performance of any of the other products we shortlisted. In addition, we believe that Ruckus’ performance will be sufficient to support the business requirements. The additional expertise that APC delivered throughout the investigation process brought us to the decision that the Ruckus/APC Partnership was the best fit for the proposed solution.”
Southend on Sea Borough Council

“The benefits to Wandle Housing Association were huge: the Motorola kit represented cost savings of approximately £200,000 over the leased line that the Association had intended to install. In addition, they have seen enhancements in the speed of traffic between the sites in Clapham, Tooting and Peckham. With staff in three locations communication is essential, as Brian Stoneman, Director, explains: “Until APC and Tora Networks were involved, we had been intending to install a leased line to give the connectivity we needed. The alternative point to point network is extremely affordable, giving us all the benefits of a leased line without all the associated cost. We’re delighted with the outcome.”
Wandle Housing Association

“As a business we take pride in supplying a high standard of work to social landlords, so it’s rewarding when we find another business that has an equally high service level. Our partnership with APC is intrinsic to meeting both our commercial goals and external targets.”
Mr Potter, Roalco Managing Director

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To help you provide your answers please read the following notes

If it is an Internet connection you require, the property where the service will be installed must have a UK postcode

If you require services for a residential property, please be aware that we only provide residential grade wireless Internet services in the Essex area.

We do however provide business-grade services in residential properties across the UK. Please be advised the cost to provide this service exceeds the standard monthly costs for domestic internet connection and a suitable business level budget is required.

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