Swindon Sports Club Fixes Payment Issues with Better Internet
4-5Mbps to 200Mbps and drastic WiFi improvements
A Swindon sports club was struggling with slow internet. Contactless payments failed often, frustrating staff and customers. Streaming events, running online bookings, and even checking emails was a challenge. Their broadband speed was only 4–5 Mbps, far too slow for their needs. On top of that, the club’s WiFi setup wasn’t working well, leaving many areas with weak or no signal.
The Problem
The club’s issues came down to three key problems:
• Slow broadband: Their connection couldn’t handle modern business tasks. Payments, emails, and streaming all suffered.
• Weak WiFi: The signal didn’t cover the whole venue, causing dead zones.
• Card payment failures: Contactless transactions lagged or didn’t go through at all.
These problems created daily headaches. Staff had to restart the card machine often, hoping it would work. Customers grew impatient when payments took too long. The club wanted to offer free guest WiFi but couldn’t because the network was too weak.
The Fix
To solve these issues, we made three major upgrades:
1. Starlink installation: We installed a ridge-mounted Starlink system to replace the slow broadband. This gave the club fast, stable internet with much higher speeds.
2. WiFi expansion: Two extra access points were added to improve coverage across the whole venue.
3. Network reconfiguration: The system was fully optimised. Payments were given priority to prevent delays. Guest WiFi was separated to avoid slowing down critical systems.
The Results
The improvements were immediate. The club now has a fast, reliable internet connection. Contactless payments work without delays. Staff can stream events and manage bookings without interruptions. WiFi now covers the entire venue, so guests can connect easily.
Why It Matters
Reliable internet is essential for any sports club. It keeps payments running, improves customer experience, and helps with bookings and promotions. A simple upgrade made a big difference here. If your club or venue has similar issues, the right setup could be a game-changer.
