High availability WiFi for highly respected horse trials competition.
Badminton Horse Trials approached Wireless Solutions after their previous provider failed to deliver to expectations.
One of the largest eventing competitions in the calendar, BHT is known across the world for its high calibre of competitors, venue and event standards. For 2023 they needed a WiFi solution that was up to the same calibre.
They needed high availability connectivity across four core areas:
– Production
-Scoring
-Traders
-Live streaming of Badminton TV
Each area had varying technical requirements, and levels of acceptable downtime, right down to zero for the Badminton TV Live stream.
The WiFi network needed to be planned in accordance with these requirements and simply HAD to deliver. With no second chances, it was important to explore every potential risk.
Months of preparation go into Badminton Horse Trials each year, and with only a few days of live eventing, connectivity is mission critical. BHT needed someone they could trust to support over 6000 devices connecting simultaneously for payment processing and also live streaming of the event to paid TV viewers across the world.
A new approach to WiFi
100% Uptime, come rain or shine
Following a challenging 2022 for connectivity, Badminton Horse Trials approached us to discuss whether we could bring new ideas and better WiFi to the table for 2023.
BHT is a high profile level 5 eventing competition with elite riders competing in the magnificent 52,000 acre grounds of Badminton Estate across 6 days.
This vast event site is host to the grandstand, eventing arenas and a cross country course, along with hospitality tents, shopping villages, VIP areas, media tent, scoring and judging stations, royal boxes and also the operations centre for the production team and contractor staff, working behind the scenes to make it all run smoothly.
And the size of the site isn’t the only challenge. With 20,000 people attending each day, the volume of payments going through the site is significant. 600+ traders are connected to the network at any one time with multiple devices, and all are looking to process payments at speed to maximise revenue from the event.
Badminton TV Live is an extra revenue generator, and relies on live streaming of the event to its members. With over 100,000 live viewers on event race days, it is a critical service for the production team.
Wireless Solutions was to design and deliver a reliable network to support all of these requirements, with live monitoring and support.
The solution
Months of planning and preparation, along with complex network design from our architects, resulted in a solution that finally gave BHT what they were looking for:
- 100% uptime from our network. The WiFi didn’t drop off at any point during the 6 days. This was thanks to the enterprise-grade high availability network design that was carried out in the months leading up to the event, to ensure it was robust and fit for purpose
- Uninterrupted Live Streaming of Badminton TV
- A Media Centre that could confidently live steam event news and updates across the globe and to colleagues
- Happy traders, happy production staff and a happy Wireless Solutions team
Despite torrential rain in the lead up to the event making the installation significantly harder (and the grounds a huge challenge during the live event), we were delighted that the months of planning and commitment of the team paid off. We won the confidence of the production team, other contractors and traders.
“Last year the WiFi was our biggest challenge, this year it was the weather.”
Long term partner
We are now a trusted part of the Badminton Horse Trials team. Having delivered another smooth event in 2024, we supported additional areas of the course, and are now discussing new ideas and service offerings to explore new ways of harnessing the power of event WiFi.
Client Comment
Andrew Tucker
“In the years that we’ve been running Badminton Horse Trials, we had yet to find a company that could deliver connectivity that met our complex requirements. The size and layout of Badminton Estate, coupled with the demand for live streaming and hundreds of traders all needing to take payments, makes this one of the most challenging WiFi gigs on the events market .
Wireless Solutions came in and took the time to understand our requirements, plan a solution that would guarantee 100% uptime, and explore all of the requirements that we had not even thought about.
They have far outshone our previous suppliers and given us the greatest gift of being able to focus on the event with one less challenge to contend with.”
What Wireless Solutions Can Offer You
We’re committed to bringing better event WiFi to the UK market.
Here’s why we’re different.
Experienced Network design
We produce site designs to show you exactly where you'll get connectivity. By agreeing this up front, we know your requirement and make sure we deliver.
Cost management
We'll make sure your costs are managed at every stage thanks to our thorough design process. This means no nasty surprises.
Excellent track record
With 100% uptime in 2023, speak to one of our clients to hear it from the horse's mouth.
Professional team
Our team of experienced engineers will give you exceptional service, and be a pleasure to work with. We see ourselves as part of your team.
New ideas
We have ideas that go beyond just connectivity. Our experience of working with large events means that we can bring fresh ideas to your table.
Delivery that goes to plan
We have a track record of delivering to the expectations set when we agree the contract. We're always on time, on budget.
