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An
in-depth, 1500-word case study of MLL Telecom's M.A.R.A.N project (Multi-Agency
Rural Area Network). This is part of the Llwybr-Pathway - an exciting, EU-funded
initiative designed to bring wireless broadband to the communities of three rural
Welsh counties, Camarthenshire, Ceredigion and Powys. Objective:
To explore the business rationale and first phase of a three-way partnership involving
wireless broadband provider MLL as a 'Private Sector Contributor', the three participating
counties and Llwybr-Pathway - a programme part-funded by the European Regional
Development Fund. The M.A.R.A.N. scheme is just one of many co-ordinated by Llwybr-Pathway,
whose remit is to maximise the potential of ICT for the social, economic and cultural
benefit of rural Wales. Writing this case study involved extensive telephone research
and interviews with representatives of some of the many local government departments
involved. Download
Mid Wales 'M.A.R.A.N' case study as pdf (384kb)
Download
Herefordshire case study as pdf (221kb)
copy
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TECHNOLOGY RISK - NO CAPITAL RISK
MLL's
network features a leased line wireless service from each county council office
and other major locations in each of the three counties linked to a core ATM backbone
network used to carry both voice and data services. Since it is a managed service
there is no 'technology risk' for the authorities as the network can be upgraded
as and when necessary by MLL. Neither is there a 'capital risk' as MLL is responsible
for building the network from whom the authorities lease capacity. With
the project finally secured thanks to the tenacity and commitment of all partners
involved, in what ways are the three counties concerned now set to benefit - both
individually and collectively? Andrew
Smith, Head of ICT for Powys County Council, identifies the flexibility and scalability
inherent in MLL's wireless solution as a critical factor. "As ISP for the
county's schools, where each child has an email address, and as a result of enormous
increases in network demand through initiatives such as the National Library Association's
Peoples' Network, we expect to need ever more bandwidth. MLL will enable us to
deliver the extra capacity required in the most economical way possible. The network's
potential for facilitating CCTV communications between cross-border organisations
such as our Youth Justice initiative in Powys and Ceredigion is another good example." | 
