Local Football Club Network Upgrade
Bringing them into the mix with high speed connectivity
Background
The local football club faced ongoing issues with slow, unreliable internet. The old ADSL connection provided a maximum speed of 5Mbps, which limited the club’s operations.
This slow connection created several problems:
• Unreliable card payments – Payment machines often failed or took too long to process transactions.
• Weak Wi-Fi coverage – Some areas of the clubhouse had no signal, making it hard for staff and visitors to connect.
• Slow admin tasks – Simple tasks like sending emails and managing schedules were slowed down by poor internet speeds.
• Frequent internet dropouts – The connection was unstable, disrupting both work and social activities.
• Limited event hosting capabilities – The club could not attract meetings or events that required reliable internet.
The need for an upgrade was clear.
Why Fibre Wasn’t an Option
Upgrading to fibre broadband wasn’t an option. Openreach quoted £5,000 to bring fibre to a nearby property, but this was only an estimate. The final cost could change depending on the cable route, making it uncertain and risky.
Given this, the club chose an alternative solution.
The Upgrade
The club upgraded to Starlink, a satellite-based internet service, and made significant improvements to the network.
1. Faster, More Reliable Internet
• Starlink replaced ADSL – With 150–180Mbps speeds, the club now has a fast and reliable connection.
• Better reliability – The connection is stable, with fewer dropouts and disruptions.
• Handles multiple users – The system can support staff, members, and visitors without slowing down.
2. Network Infrastructure Overhaul
The internal network was upgraded to ensure smooth and efficient operation:
• New network switches – Improved speed and efficiency, allowing many devices to connect without lag.
• Better traffic management – Ensures that no single user overloads the network, making sure everyone gets fair access.
3. Stronger Wi-Fi Coverage
Wi-Fi coverage was extended to ensure all areas of the clubhouse are connected:
• Two new access points – These expanded coverage, reducing weak signal areas.
• Reconfigured existing access points – Balanced the network for stronger signals in busy spots.
• Guest Wi-Fi network – Visitors now have their own dedicated Wi-Fi, separate from the club’s internal systems.
Results and Benefits
The network improvements have made a noticeable difference:
• Reliable, fast internet – With 150–180Mbps speeds, the club’s internet is now fast and stable.
• Smooth payment processing – Card payments are now fast and reliable, reducing delays.
• Improved Wi-Fi coverage – The whole property now has a strong Wi-Fi signal.
• Guest Wi-Fi available – Visitors can connect without affecting staff or club operations.
• Easier admin work – Staff can now complete tasks like managing memberships, sending emails, and updating records without delays.
• Attractive event venue – The club can now offer reliable internet for meetings and other events.
Return on Investment
The improvements should lead to a quick return on investment for the club. The more reliable card payment processing means quicker, more efficient transactions. This also reduces frustration for both customers and staff.
Additionally, the club can now market its room hire services with the benefit of reliable internet, making it a more attractive option for meetings, conferences, and other events. This will help attract more bookings and generate extra income.
Conclusion
The local football club’s upgrade to Starlink and new network infrastructure has provided a fast, reliable internet connection. With 150–180Mbps speeds, strong Wi-Fi coverage, and the ability to offer guest Wi-Fi, the club is now able to operate more efficiently and provide better service.
The improvements in payment processing and the ability to market room hire with reliable internet will likely lead to a quick return on investment, helping the club grow and attract more business.
