Epping Forest Deploys UK-First Communications Solution to Protect Lone Workers in London’s Largest Public Space

Published 21st April 2008

Epping Forest has deployed the UK’s first fully integrated WIMAX IP networked Private Mobile Radio (PMR) solution, to enhance communication between staff working in the forest, and improve safety for lone workers.

Epping Forest is managed and maintained by a team of over 100 staff, and the new radio system uses Team Simoco’s Xfin system to provide reliable and resilient communications across the forest, which is part of the City of London Corporation, and is the largest public owned space in London at over 6000 acres.

Mat Roberts, Epping Forest’s current superintendent said: “It’s important that we respond quickly to issues and changing circumstances by communicating as one team. It’s also essential that we ensure the safety and security of our staff – so effective mobile communication throughout the forest is central to our purpose and an absolute priority.”

All onsite staff, including estate managers, constables, information officers, tree specialists, constables and litter pickers use the Xfin system to respond quickly to issues and the system has been designed to meet specific essential requirements of Epping Forest, including ‘Man Down’, ‘Lone Worker’ and AVLS functions.

Developed and deployed by two-way radio specialist CSUK, the PMR solution enables fully resilient broadband IP communication between Epping Forest’s three radio sites, with ample bandwidth for additional voice or application traffic as needs change.

By harnessing Xfin’s IP capability Epping Forest now has an effective IP-based wide area network, which not only provides enhanced communications and improved resilience, but has also significantly reduced costs, removing the need for BT leased lines between the sites.

With no recurring line charges, WIMAX offers the City of London Corporation an extremely cost-effective and future proof solution, adding further value to the overall Xfin IP solution.