Geo connects BBC Studios and Post Production’s sites in Elstree using fibre run through the Victorian sewer network
LONDON, 14 March 2013: BBC Studios and Post Production is the latest media company to commission a private fibre network from leading provider of bespoke fibre networks Geo Networks Ltd (“Geo”). The network will be part of the infrastructure that supports BBC Studios and Post Production’s relocation from the iconic BBC Television Centre in West London, whilst the new site is being redeveloped.
The company will return to Television Centre to run three HD studios (including Studio One, the flagship 10,000 sq ft studio) when the site is reopened in 2015. In the meantime it is offering a mix of fully equipped high-definition television spaces at the BBC Elstree and Elstree Film Studios sites.
To support the new set up, BBC Studios and Post Production required a two-year dark fibre connection between the two sites to send uncompressed HD video, audio, IT and other data between them.
Danny Popkin, Technical Development Manager, BBC Studios and Post Production said: “We work with a range of production companies, making live and recorded TV shows across a variety of genres for numerous broadcasters. This requires us to transfer enormous amounts of data, including uncompressed video, between our Elstree sites. We wanted to have full control of the network management and this solution provided us with that.”
Geo utilised its unique relationship with Thames Water to provide dark fibre between the two sites, using the sewer network. Requiring just a short dig for the point-to-point connectivity, the fibre is clipped at shoulder height within the sewers, making it impervious to street disruption.
“Media companies are increasingly aware that the traditional managed services model no longer fits their business plan,” said Geo’s Media Sales Director, Will Pitt. “Our private network business model gives them control both financially and operationally, along with unprecedented scalability, and we’re delighted to be expanding our customer base.”
At the end of 2012, Geo announced three major milestones in its Media and Broadcast sector; 12 new media hubs added to its network, a 50% increase year on year of contracts won and new customers including SIS LIVE and TVCatchUp.
About Geo Networks
Geo is the only company in the UK to focus solely on the design, build and operate of bespoke dedicated fibre network solutions. Geo’s revolutionary and flexible approach means that for the first time, organisations can own and control their networks, ensuring that security, high bandwidth and resilience are guaranteed. By allowing its customers to directly own and control the underlying optical fibre that is at the heart of their data network, Geo is the only truly open access network provider in the UK. It provides an extensive range of solutions including fully managed networks, dark fibre and co-location services. Geo enables network solutions in the London area and throughout the UK with onward connectivity to Ireland through the newest diverse optical fibre subsea system, the East-West Ring. Customers include media companies, service providers, major banks, carriers, data centres and gaming organisations. Geo won ‘IT Vendor of the Year’ in the 2012 eGR B2B Awards, was a finalist in the 2011 UK Customer Experience Awards, listed in the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 list for 2011 and Geo was also shortlisted for the 2010 Sunday Times Tech Track 100: Barclays Corporate Performance Excellence Award. Visit www.geo-uk.net or follow @geonetworks for more information.
For further information please contact:
Caroline Beer
+44 (0)20 3100 3796
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