Industry: Hospitality / Marine Services
Services Provided: Full WiFi Audit, Internet Supply, Networking and WiFi Installation, Guest WiFi Hotspot Service with Data Capture
The Challenge
Avon Marina is a prestigious marina in Christchurch, Dorset, offering over 100 berths to a community of leisure boaters and liveaboards. The management team recognised that reliable internet access is no longer a luxury but a fundamental expectation for their berth-holders and visitors.
There was little existing connectivity across the whole Marina, leaving berth-holders frustrated with a poor signal or lack of internet access. A major contributing factor was the poor mobile 4G and 5G service in the area, making a reliable, full WiFi service essential. To improve customer satisfaction and stay ahead of competitors, Avon Marina needed a robust, future-proof solution that could:
- Provide a seamless, high-speed WiFi connection across the entire marina, including both on-land facilities and all 100+ berths (approx. 21,000 m2).
- Ensure a secure and managed network for both berth-holders, casual guests and cafe patrons.
- Provide valuable insights by capturing guest data for marketing purposes.
An important consideration was identifying a partner with an in-depth understanding of the specific challenges presented by marine environments, including expansive open areas, exposure to natural elements, and relevant hospitality experience, rather than relying on a universal solution.
The Fusion Mobile Communications Solution
Unlike larger providers, Fusion Mobile Communications took a personal and agile approach to the project. The engagement began with a comprehensive, on-site WiFi audit. A full site survey was conducted to meticulously map out the network infrastructure, identify signal blackspots, and account for the unique obstacles posed by boats and the marina environment.
Based on these findings, Fusion Mobile Communications designed and implemented a bespoke, multi-faceted solution:
- Full WiFi Audit & Bespoke Design: A detailed plan was created to strategically place robust, weather-resistant access points across the marina, ensuring strong and consistent signal penetration to every berth.
- Internet Supply: A reliable and monitored internet connection specifically for the berth holders and guests
- Point-to-Point Wireless Link: To overcome the challenge of extending service to the far end of the peninsula where running a cable was not feasible, a high capacity 60GHz point-to-point wireless link was deployed. This provided a high-speed backbone, ensuring seamless connectivity to even the most remote areas of the marina.
- Guest WiFi Hotspot Service: A secure and managed hotspot was deployed, creating two distinct access tiers: one for permanent berth-holders and another for casual guests. This provided controlled access and ensured fair usage for everyone.
- Guest Data Capture: The system was configured to capture valuable guest data upon login, providing Avon Marina with a powerful new tool to build their marketing database and communicate with visitors.
The Results
The partnership with Fusion Mobile Communications led to an outstanding improvement in connectivity and customer experience at Avon Marina.
- Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Berth-holders now enjoy reliable internet access from their vessels, leading to a significant reduction in customer complaints and an increase in positive feedback.
- Operational Efficiency: The seamless connectivity has improved on-site operations and provided a modern amenity that attracts and retains long-term customers.
- A Valuable Marketing Asset: The data capture feature has given Avon Marina a direct communication channel with their visitors, helping them build a stronger community and drive future business.
A Word from the Client:
“Working with Fusion Mobile Communications was a breath of fresh air. They understood our specific needs from the start and didn’t try to force a generic solution on us. The personal service and attention to detail from their team were second to none. Our berth-holders are thrilled with the new WiFi, and we now have a system that not only works flawlessly but also helps us grow our business.”
Why was a full WiFi solution needed when mobile data is available?
A site survey confirmed that mobile 4G and 5G services were poor or non-existent in many areas of the marina. A full WiFi installation was the only way to ensure reliable, high-speed connectivity across the entire site for both berth-holders and visitors.
What is a 60GHz Point-to-Point wireless link and why was it used?
A 60GHz point-to-point link is a high-capacity wireless technology that transmits data at very high speeds over short to medium distances. It was the perfect solution to extend the network to the end of the marina’s peninsula, providing a high-speed backbone where running a physical cable would have been technically challenging and cost prohibitive.
How does the Guest WiFi service benefit Avon Marina's business?
Beyond providing an essential amenity, the guest WiFi service includes a data capture feature. This allows Avon Marina to collect valuable information from their visitors, which can be used to build a marketing database, send targeted promotions, and foster a stronger, more engaged customer community.
Book your consultation now!
Are you facing similar connectivity challenges? Contact Fusion Mobile Communications today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll design a bespoke solution that meets your unique needs, allowing you to focus on running your business rather than your technology.