Oldham’s Constant Group shines at major expo unveiling cutting-edge solutions for the last mile of telecom connectivity

Date published: 01 May 2024


Oldham-headquartered manufacturing powerhouse, Constant Group, returned to Connected North at Manchester Central to showcase their advanced telecom solutions that connect the last mile of fibre to rural communities efficiently and sustainably.

Joined by Voltserver and EasyStreet systems, they collectively exhibited working advances to out-dated network infrastructure solutions.

From showcasing next-generation multifunction columns, that have up to 70% install savings, to powering the stand with Voltserver’s innovative power distribution solution.

A digital electricity solution that solely powered Constant Group’s unique active broadband cabinet, converted to serve coffee and draft beer which perfectly demonstrates the advanced design opportunities available for streetside furniture – tailored size, customisable racking, mix and match door options and key-free access solutions.

Constant’s cabinet cooling system kept the draft beer at the perfect temperature too.

The Voltserver system also delivered fault managed power to the new range of EasyStreet fast deployment smart poles. Coupled with Constant Group’s innovative equipment housing cabinets.

These were used to deliver actual FWA, CCTV and WIFI at Connected North.

All using a hybrid fibre and power cable.

Thus showcasing the versatility and innovation of the partnership.

Andrew Murphy, Head of Technical Operations for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said: "This week saw BDUK (Building Digital UK) spend some time at Connected North in Manchester - a great opportunity to engage with the wider telecoms sector, including our suppliers, service providers and infrastructure manufacturers.

"It was particularly interesting to engage with Constant Group and Swann Engineering Group Ltd both with a strong history of manufacturing within the North, it demonstrates the positive impact that a growing telecoms and technology sector can have on the wider economy.”

The last mile of connectivity is an ongoing technical and logistical problem for small and major network providers alike.

The demonstrated turn-key solution offered by the partnership of Constant Group, Voltserver and EasyStreet Systems allows for any network provider to pick up and install an already integrated product into rural applications swifty and sustainably.

As a supplier to the big four major mobile networks and suite of fibre suppliers alike, Constant Group's cabinets could also be seen across the expo floor on client's stands.

Notably visitors will have seen an active cabinet complete with a cabinet management system on System in Technology's stand which demonstrated how engineers can effortlessly access Constant Group's enclosures without a key, all while maintaining a comprehensive audit trail through iLOQ technology.

Constant Group had integrated SIT’s CMS system that can trace all aspects of the cabinets operation and its environmental status, both within and external.

David Gilligan, Constant Group's Chief Technology Officer, said: "What a tremendous couple of days at Connected North where we made many new connections in the industry while also showcasing new products and solutions to existing customers."

He added: "We were excited to demonstrate our long-known belief that our products are innovative and forward thinking, which have been proven correct with conversations and bookings we had at the show – we’re excited to enable better connectivity throughout the UK through true partnerships."

Connected North remains the best Northern exhibition to showcase the capabilities of Constant Group's abilities to provide fit-for-purpose solutions to the telecom sector.

Andrew Murphy, from Building Digital UK, said: "There is a wealth of expertise and knowledge in and around the North along with some great opportunities to improve connectivity to the benefit of local communities, both rural and urban.”


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