Satellite upgrade brings better access at Waitomo sites

Spark's satellite connectivity upgrade is providing improved internet access for Discover Waitomo's remote tourism sites in New Zealand's King Country.

Discover Waitomo, known internationally for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Blackwater Rafting experiences, has moved to Starlink satellite internet across several locations. The sites, previously dependent on VDSL technology, had faced regular connectivity problems due to the aged and often disrupted infrastructure.

The adoption of satellite internet through Spark's implementation of Starlink has led to benefits across visitor connectivity, payment systems, and staff safety communications. Tourists now have consistent Wi-Fi access, allowing them to share experiences on social media and to promote the region in real time.

The new internet capability has also facilitated the company's shift to cashless operations. Reliable service has made EFTPOS and mobile payments dependable, aligning with broader customer expectations and simplifying financial transactions at the attractions.

Another impact of the satellite upgrade is on operational safety. Staff can maintain communication even in underground or isolated environments, addressing previous issues where employees at remote sites experienced lack of contact during emergencies or regular operations.

Daniel Thorne, General Manager of Discover Waitomo, described the upgrade as fundamental for the business. "Our remote location has always posed connectivity challenges, impacting everything from customer experience to our ability to manage health and safety. Starlink has fundamentally changed that. Now, we can confidently deliver cashless transactions, provide reliable Wi-Fi for visitors, and ensure that staff can communicate effectively even in areas that were once complete dark zones."

Spark's field services team has supported the transition by carrying out comprehensive site surveys, optimal satellite placement, and technical installation, ensuring the solution fits the operational requirements of Discover Waitomo's widely dispersed and unique tourism platforms.

The improved infrastructure also opens the door to developments such as real-time monitoring for cave environments and stream levels, which could further improve operations and environmental safety in the future.

David Goldman, IT Operations Manager at Discover Waitomo, commented on the positive changes experienced since the implementation. "Before Starlink, connectivity issues meant frequent disruptions to our systems, from ticketing to communication. With Starlink's high speeds and reliability, even in extreme weather, we've been able to not only meet but exceed visitor expectations. It's also allowed us to improve the safety and efficiency of our operations, which is critical given the remote and sometimes challenging environments we operate in. We can now focus on delivering an exceptional experience for our visitors without worrying about outages."

Ongoing cooperation between Spark and Discover Waitomo is focusing on further applications of satellite technology to enhance the sites' operational resilience and to contribute to environmental management. The improvements to connectivity are presented as an example of how technical solutions can respond to the challenges for businesses in some of New Zealand's most remote locations.