|
siptel keeps the stars in touch at UK entertainment events
siptel has been working with a large event organiser for many years, project managing and implementing the communications at prominent outdoor events
Many concerts and gigs take place in the summer that require siptel’s help and support to install and manage complex voice and data technology solutions. Sometimes siptel have to install a large telephony solution in as little as two days and are then required to rip it all out again straight after the event. Their involvement ranges from managing the installation of lines, right up to full LAN/wireless network with VPN connectivity, DSL services and cabling. As well as installing telephony solutions, often setting up the comms infrastructure in portakabins at the bigger outdoor events, siptel can also provide additional features such as non-geographic numbers, ISDN 30, voice mail, IVR and Automated Attendant Services, so that vital calls are routed to the correct destination and are not lost.
siptel is proud to say that the solutions deployed have 5 9’s reliability, a key requirement for most event organisers. Whatever telephony solution is installed, siptel ensures that direct calls can be made and are able to be transferred anywhere around the site. There are numerous people at such events who rely on cutting edge communications technology, such as site and production managers (who build the physical stage and organise fencing etc.), outside broadcast technical teams, administration personnel, press, security staff and the performers and VIPs, who often want access to the Internet and private phone lines installed. siptel provide engineering and project management support on site at the events themselves, giving flexible and hands-on assistance when required and reacting immediately when changes need to be made. However, for the majority of events, most of the preparation is done beforehand.
The use of mobile phones may seem like a sufficient option instead of the cost and project management implications of installing a whole ‘mini’ communications infrastructure, often outdoors. However, mobile networks get easily congested, even with mobile operator masts in place, and the lines jam up at big events with thousands of people using their mobiles, especially when live phone-in competitions are run. Having dedicated lines installed also means that the Emergency Services can be contacted at any time.
Just to understand how versatile siptel can be, below is a list of just some of the varying-sized events they have been involved with:
-
Party in the Park (in Hyde Park)
-
Creamfields (in Liverpool)
-
The Rolling Stones (at Twickenham)
-
Bon Jovi (in Hyde Park)
-
Isle of Wight Festival (including bands such as The Stereophonics, The Who, David Bowie and Manic Street Preachers)
-
Bestival (non-related smaller rock equivalent of the Isle Of Wight Festival, including the likes of Fat Boy Slim)
-
Download (at Castle Donnington, a 2 day heavy metal festival including Metallica)
-
Playtex Moonwalk (with the start and finish in Hyde Park)
-
Queen (in Hyde Park)
-
REM (in Hyde Park)
-
Neil Diamond (at Woburn Abbey)
-
U2 (at Twickenham)
The Events Director for the entertainment group, commented: “siptel often have a very tough brief, installing a complex telephony solution in a matter of a few days, managing Moves and Changes on site, invariably outdoors, then having to take it all out again immediately after the event. We have come to depend on their reliable and efficient service, which all helps towards making our events run smoothly.”
Mark Hornsby, Services Director for siptel added, “siptel are able to deploy voice and data solutions at large events quickly and efficiently, working with the rest of the production team and organisers, then pull it all out again very quickly. It is all about using our project management, implementation and support skills whilst being flexible, open-minded and reactive to the organisers’ needs”.
