Case Studies
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Add full-home Wi-Fi
Overview
East Lancashire Cricket Club is a historic community sports club and long-standing member of the Lancashire League. Hosting regular league fixtures, training sessions, and private events, the Club is a hub for local sport and social activity. With increasing digital demands from matchday streaming to guest Wi-Fi, the Club required a high-speed, reliable network capable of supporting operations, players, and visitors.
Background
The Club operates a large clubhouse and licensed bar with capacity for up to 150 guests, alongside multiple playing areas, spectator stands, and hospitality zones. Prior to the upgrade, East Lancs relied on a Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) service via the Openreach network, limited to 65 Mb/s down / 14 Mb/s up. Bandwidth and coverage fell short of what was needed for match streaming, point-of-sale systems, and guest connectivity. Wi-Fi only reached the bar area, while the analogue phone line was still dependent on the PSTN network due to be retired under the Big Switch-Off. These constraints impacted service efficiency, event hire potential, and fan engagement.
Challenges
Impact on Users: Unreliable connectivity disrupted matchday operations and streaming, slowed payments, and led to guest complaints about weak Wi-Fi. The lack of capacity limited digital transformation and reduced the venue’s appeal for private hire.
Solution
To overcome these limitations, Opus Broadband extended its own full fibre network directly to the Club, delivering a Full Fibre Broadband (FTTP) connection with 900 Mb/s download and 450 Mb/s upload speeds. The fibre runs all the way from the exchange to the premises, eliminating copper bottlenecks and ensuring low-latency, ultra-fast performance.
What we delivered
Network
- 1 × Router
- 1 × Unified Network Controller (PON LAN + Wireless Controller)
- 1 × Power over Fibre Splitter
WiFi
- 3 × Power over Fibre Wi-Fi 6 Access Points
- Building-wide coverage
- Seamless MESH connectivity
Voice
- 1 × Wireless IP Phone
- Integration with existing LAN switch
- Hosted VOIP service and retained number
Implementation details
Opus engineers ran new fibre cabling to each access point location, delivering both data and power via the fibre itself. This Power over Fibre (PoF) setup provided safe, efficient installation without local power outlets. A new wireless VoIP handset enables staff to roam freely while handling calls.
Thanks to Opus Broadband’s managed installation process and full end-to-end delivery control, all hardware was positioned precisely where the Club requested — aligning perfectly with its operational and event layout.
Software & platforms
The embedded Wireless Network Controller manages seamless MESH Wi-Fi across the site, allowing users to roam without disconnection. The system integrates directly with Opus Broadband’s interactive management and control platform for remote monitoring and ongoing optimisation.
Results & benefits
Key results
Building-wide Wi-Fi coverage
Across clubhouse, offices, and outdoor areas
14× faster speeds
Than previous connection
PSTN risks removed
Future-proof communications
Streaming ready
Infrastructure for live match broadcasting
Enhanced venue appeal
For private and corporate hire
Digital transformation
Ready for continued growth
Customer Feedback
“The upgrade in services has had a real impact on guest satisfaction. We now have a Wi-Fi network and internet connection that guests can use without suffering from coverage or performance issues.”
Ali
East Lancashire Cricket Club