Gillingham Football Club

Supporting Large, Variable Data Traffic:
Football clubs experience high traffic spikes on match days, with numerous fans, media personnel, and operational staff accessing the network simultaneously. Orbital Net needs to offer scalable solutions that accommodate fluctuating demands while maintaining performance quality, all within budgetary constraints. This requires careful bandwidth planning, efficient network routing, path and distance optimisation and scoping from a the Physical layer onwards the cost implications of each.

Balancing Performance with Cost-Effective Technology Choices:
High-performance connectivity, such as leased lines, can be costly. To maintain a competitive price point, Orbital Net explored technology options that blend affordability with robust service, such as a hybrid approaches using its PIA Services as well as Public network providers to blend a solution. Selecting the right technologies without compromising quality or inflating costs is key to achieving a balance between service excellence and budgetary limits.

Compliance with EFL and FA Standards:
The EFL and Football Association often require that clubs provide certain levels of internet availability, security, and media accessibility. Orbital Net supports these services to meet these specifications while managing costs. This may require investing in additional support or compliance-related services, which can add layers of complexity and expense.

Handling Site-Specific Challenges:
Infrastructure around football stadiums may limit deployment options, particularly for laying fibre connections. Orbital Net faced additional complexity for with infrastructure adjustments needed to support high-speed connectivity, working around existing stadium infrastructure.

Delivering Effective Managed Services on a Tight Budget:
Managed services require ongoing monitoring, troubleshooting, and client support, particularly for a high-visibility client like Gillingham FC. Maintaining a proactive managed service model while keeping operational costs low requires Orbital Net to optimise staffing, potentially invest in automation, and streamline service workflows to provide the needed oversight and support within the client’s budget.

These challenges call for innovative solutions and strategic planning to meet Gillingham FC’s needs while ensuring that services remain economically sustainable for both the club and Orbital Net.

Meeting High Availability Standards Gillingham Football Club’s requirements for high availability, particularly on match days, mean that any service provided must minimise downtime and disruptions. This entails designing a resilient infrastructure, often with redundant pathways or failover options, to ensure uninterrupted service. Building and maintaining such redundancy can be resource-intensive, and balancing this with cost-effectiveness poses a significant challenge. Developing routes no non-preferred routes, before extending those services internally to the stadium building a Telecoms grade fibre infrastructure for distribution.

By blending Orbital Net’s PIA services with public network providers, Gillingham FC can achieve a high-availability, resilient internet solution at a fraction of the cost of a fully private network. This approach strategically leverages both managed and public resources, balancing quality, security, and cost, supporting the club’s digital ambitions in a sustainable and flexible manner.