Telindus set to drive "Walled City to Wireless City " Project - 22nd September 2005

As part of the ongoing Wireless City project the partnership of Derry City Council (DCC), the University of Ulster (UU), Magee and the North West Institute of Further and Higher Education (NWIFHE) have appointed Telindus, in conjunction with their strategic partner Trapeze Networks, to install an internal wireless network in the Derry City Council offices, the University of Ulster, Magee and NWIFHE Campuses.

Steven Grimason, Client Executive with Telindus, said that the innovative nature of the Broadband Flagship Project caught the imagination of the company from its original inception, commenting;

"Working with the Derry City Council, the NWIFHE and the University of Ulster, Magee to deliver a secure, scalable and flexible mobile network has been a very enjoyable experience and Telindus are looking forward to continuing with what we perceive to be a very successful partnership."

This wireless network is set to move forward the aims of the project team to implement initiatives that will create a wireless-enabled working environment in the City for students, lecturers, tourists, city councillors and local government officers.

Martin McGinnity, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ulster said that the appointment of Telindus would now take the project to the next level.

"The project partners are very pleased Telindus has been selected for the implementation and deployment of this project. The wireless network will allow students and lecturers more flexible access to computing and educational resources, email and the Internet. It will cover large areas of the Magee and NWIHFE campuses, including classrooms, meeting rooms, library areas, student union areas and cafeterias. In addition the Wireless Technology Centre, which is an inherent part of the project will enable us to keep abreast with cutting edge technologies."

Earlier this year Derry was designated by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment (DETI) as Northern Ireland's Flagship Project for the demonstration of wireless broadband technology.

Speaking at the announcement of Telindus joining the project team, Dermot Harrigan, Digital Programmes Manager with Derry City Council said,

"The Wireless Council will enhance and develop the delivery of existing e-government services from both the Council Offices on the Strand Road and the Council Chamber in the Guildhall, giving wireless connectivity to elected representatives and local government officers".

Margaret Duddy, Project Leader with the NWIFHE also welcomed the announcement commenting,

"NWIFHE, together with the University of Ulster and Derry City Council, are pioneering the implementation of a wireless campus/ SMART classroom initiative augmented by state of the art infrastructure. The technology will be exploited to enhance the learning experience of our students and lead the way for innovation in the delivery of all courses at the institute"

The Wireless City project is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Building Sustainable Prosperity Programme.