PCYC QLD: Linking Communities Through Network Evolution

PCYC QLD team are always grappling with vast distances daily. From bustling city centres to remote coastal islands, their 160 work locations span a state seven times the size of Great Britain. Geographical dispersion poses unique hurdles—hardware failures in far-flung places like Aurukun require creative solutions. Network reliability has been an ongoing battle, exacerbated by equipment glitches and outages. The stakes are high: PCYC’s gyms, operating 24/7, rely on entry scanners and safety cameras. Any disruption means closing the gym. With over 80% of revenue tied to commercial services, PCYC QLD prioritises seamless customer experiences. In 2020, they partnered with Entag and Telstra to upgrade their technology, ensuring robust, reliable operations for the future.

PCYC QLD faced a formidable challenge: their vast network spanned diverse locations, from bustling city centres to remote coastal islands. Reliability was paramount, especially for their 24/7 gyms where entry scanners and safety cameras played a crucial role. Enter Entag and Telstra, who orchestrated a transformative network solution. We meticulously assessed each venue’s needs, seamlessly integrating NBN connections where possible and relying on wireless networking for remote areas. Variable backbone services were factored in to ensure reliability. The centrepiece of the upgrade was an agile SD-WAN, transitioning traditional PABX phone systems to Microsoft Teams-based calling. Upgraded network hardware made services adaptable to varying broadband conditions. Amidst the pandemic, the Microsoft Teams calling system enabled flexible, hybrid operations for PCYC QLD’s office staff. The cultural adjustment was eased with traditional handsets operating through Teams. Years of poor experiences with the previous supplier drove PCYC QLD’s commitment to a seamless shift. Entag and Telstra ensured a reliable, future-ready network. The result? PCYC QLD now thrives with enhanced connectivity, streamlined operations, and record-breaking gym membership figures. A demonstration of Entag's and Telstra's strong partnership that offers cutting-edge technology!

Since its new network went live in 2021, PCYC QLD has witnessed a remarkable performance from its SD-WAN infrastructure. The impact has been profound, PCYC QLD experienced massive speed improvements, particularly in providing bandwidth to remote sites. The result was a significant boost in productivity across the organisation. Despite being a 75-year-old organisation averse to change, PCYC QLD’s transition was flawless and harmonious — a testament to the seamless shift. Frantic calls during network issues are a thing of the past; failover mechanisms work seamlessly, keeping operations smooth without disrupting users. Most importantly for PCYC revenue, the organization says that since the new SD-WAN rollout, it has quickly grown to serve more gym customers than ever. PCYC QLD bounced back faster from COVID-19 than industry averages. The new network instilled confidence, allowing them to market their product as a reliable “go anywhere membership.” Entag and Telstra's strategic collaboration transformed PCYC QLD’s network, driving success and customer satisfaction.