When a long-standing construction client needed reliable internet for a refurbishment project in Leeds city centre, the usual fixed-line options weren’t going to work.

The site was in a busy area with poor mobile signal, and the only fixed-line option available was a leased line. This would have taken between 90 and 120 working days to install, cost around £400 per month and tied the client into a three-year contract.

They needed something quicker and more flexible.

The challenge

We’ve worked with this building refurbishment company for more than 13 years, after they were originally referred to us by another client.

For this project, the team was working from a temporary site office and needed a dependable internet connection for everyday tasks. This included accessing cloud-based shared drives, downloading large files and drawings, and using their mobile phones.

The existing signal was very inconsistent. At times, users even had to go outside to get a mobile connection.

Finding the best signal

Before recommending any equipment, we tested the signal throughout the site to make sure the solution would actually work.

The strongest signal was on the roof, so we installed an outdoor antenna with a mobile SIM. A cable was then run approximately 17 metres down to an internal router in the site office, giving the team a much stronger and more reliable connection.

The results

The new solution was installed and live within around 10 working days—much quicker than waiting up to 120 working days for a leased line.

Before installation, the connection ranged from virtually non-existent to:

• Download speeds of up to 113Mbps
• Upload speeds of just 5.59Mbps

After installation, speeds improved to:

• Download speeds between 163.78Mbps and 216.16Mbps
• Upload speeds between 24.04Mbps and 43.28Mbps

This made it much easier for the team to access large cloud-based files, work with drawings and stay connected throughout the day.

A flexible option for future projects

The equipment cost around £1,000 and was purchased outright, so the client owns it and can move it to another site once the current project is finished.

We were also able to use one of their existing spare SIMs, keeping the monthly cost to around £20.

Compared with a leased line at approximately £400 per month on a three-year agreement, it was a much more practical option for a temporary site.

Every location is different, which is why we always test the available signal before recommending a solution. In this case, a straightforward mobile setup gave the client the reliable connection they needed without a long wait or an unnecessary contract.

If you’re having similar connectivity issues on a temporary site, we’re always happy to have a chat and see what options might work.