Telecoms Sector
Key Facts
Client: DAEL Telecom UK
Equipment: A truck mounted platform fitted with SkyTel™
Project: Part of projects to boost mobile network capacities at Killington Service Station and provide temporary coverage at an iconic event at Hyde Park, London, Nationwide Platforms recently provided truck mounted platforms fitted with its best practice innovation, SkyTel™ antenna handling attachment.
The Challenge
In order to provide faster mobile network speeds and greater bandwidths, the latest generation of broadcast antennas has been developed to fully encompass complex equipment such as Remote Radio Units (RRUs), Mast Head Amplifiers (MHAs) and Active Antennas. Although capable of satisfying modern demands, the new antenna units are heavier and more unwieldy than previous models, presenting new challenges, and rising costs, with the installation. While the use of cranes reduces a proportion of the associated risks – chiefly around manual handling and dropped objects – the cost involved and site spave availability can prove challenging.
The Solution
Working with the telecoms industry to help provide a solution to this challenge, Nationwide Platforms and its dedicated research and development division, BlueSky Solutions, developed SkyTel™, a bespoke antenna handling device to assist with the safe and efficient installation and decommissioning of antennas at height using powered access.
The Benefits
On two particular applications, one fitted to a 33 metre Ruthmann truck mount at Killington Services and the other to a 38 metre Bronto truck mount at Hyde Park, the use of SkyTel™ ensured the antennas, weighing up to 150kg, were installed in a safe and efficient manner. As well as reducing manual handling, additional benefits included reducing the number of riggers needed in the basket of the truck mount to install the antennas as well as eliminating the need for costly methods of handling antennas, such as the use of cranes. SkyTel™ is also an ideal solution when working on a site with restricted space, especially when accommodating both an access platform and a crane is not possible. Precise positioning of the antennas is also possible due to the device’s 270 degrees rotation, 200mm radius adjustment and lightweight aluminium chain block.
Customer Quote
Derek Stevenson CMIOSH, DAEL Group SHEQ Manager, said:
“Mobile Network Operators are experiencing ever-growing demands for fast, reliable and stable network capacities. The latest generation of antennas provide this but are noticeably heavier and larger in size – and in many cases require a crane to install. SkyTel has enabled us to overcome these challenges whilst also providing us greater control with the installation to ensure it is carried out in a safe, productive and cost effective manner.”
Did you know?
Nationwide Platforms was recognised at the Glotel Global Telecom Awards for its services to the telecoms industry
Contact Us
Nationwide Platforms
T: 0808 100 3812
Testimonials
Nationwide Platforms have always embraced the ethos of the Birmingham Gateway Project. On such a diverse and complex project, Nationwide Platforms delivered and maintained a service which allowed safety and a complex programme to run in parallel. Continued support and initiatives throughout the lifespan of the project afforded us the opportunity to experiment with new products with a view to making work at height a safer environment to be in.
Nationwide Platforms in association with Mace delivered an on-site demonstration day covering emergency descent procedures and pre-use inspections which was a huge success and the sessions were delivered to more than 180 operatives in five different languages. Through engagement with our supply chain, Nationwide Platforms have introduced and trialled various new products on site with the full support of Mace on every occasion. Over the last three years the relationship between Mace and Nationwide Project has become very strong and without the continued support, commitment and professionalism of the team at Nationwide Platforms none of this would have been possible. I look forward to working with Nationwide Platforms in the future.
Mace Environmental Safety and Health Manager, Paul Gaughran
Nationwide Platforms’ off-site support in the planning stage and during the onsite activities was second to none. It was also extremely helpful in assisting with the programming and completion of our works. The onsite team were courteous, helpful and always on time.
Nationwide Platforms’ equipment was also of a great quality with all the latest safety features we would expect and more. The performance all round would lead us to have no issue with both recommending and hiring Nationwide Platforms in the future.
AMCO Rail (Scotland) Sub Agent, Gordon Paterson
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