The background

South West Communications Group provides The Marine Biological Association with a cost-effective mobile solution in an area renowned for poor mobile coverage.

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is a professional body for marine biologists with more than 1,000 members world-wide. The MBA has earned an international reputation for excellence and innovation in research both by the resident scientific staff and visiting research workers, including 7 Nobel laureates. The laboratory in Plymouth has provided facilities since 1888 for in-house and visiting researchers.

The challenge

MBA scientists carry out research expeditions to coastline locations around the UK, Europe and further afield and so rely on mobile phones as their main of communications tool. Therefore mobile phones were a necessary but significant financial outlay.

The MBA has used Blackberry smartphones previously but was keen to try an alternative smartphone supplier to access email while on the move and to fully embrace personal information management.

The MBA had been using Vodafone as their network provider but often struggled to connect to the network, especially in more remote areas in Devon and Cornwall.

The solution

South West Communications Group advised the MBA to switch to a mobile solution that included the following:

•    Nokia E71 and E72 mobile smartphones
•    Connection to Gamma’s mobile network providing superior coverage
•    On line billing information
•    One bill from one supplier
•    Ongoing support

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