JJ KAVANAGH AND SONS LAUNCH FIRST ONBOARD WI-FI SERVICE IN IRELAND

 Dublin, Ireland 16th January 2009: With mobile internet access fast becoming a necessity for the average Irish professional, Coach Company JJ Kavanagh and Sons is the first in Ireland to bring the information age to their passengers with the introduction of onboard Wi-Fi to their full fleet of Failte Ireland approved coaches with their partners Fleet Connect Ltd. The latest in vehicle technology will provide high speed wireless internet access for all passengers and allow JJ Kavanagh and Sons to track the location of each vehicle in its fleet in real-time leading to improve service for its customers.

JJ Kavanaghs and Sons has selected Vodafone as the mobile data service provider for the deployment, taking advantage of Vodafone’s 3G mobile broadband network that utilises HSDPA (High speed download packet access) for download speeds up to 3mbps.

The introduction of the Wi-Fi service has resulted from the growing need of business commuters to be accessible and connected at all times as well as increased consumer internet usage. Students want to access to social entertainment such as bebo and facebook and all other passengers now have the option of logging on line for their specific needs throughout their journey.

JJ Kavanaghs and Sons has partnered with Fleet Connect Ltd who has fitted coaches with 3G broadband-enabled MoovBox M series wireless technology. The MoovBox M service was judged the ‘Best Wi-Fi Product’ in the Wireless Broadband innovation awards 2008. The MoovBox mobile gateway is a ruggedized W-Fi access point and cellular router, offering multiple wide area network (WAN) radios for automatic fail-over carriers and featuring built in GPS for real time positioning. MoovBox products also offer secure Ethernet for IP-CCTV, DVR and telematics equipment with remote in-bound access for device control and support plug-and-play upgradability to future technologies such as Wi MAX. The multi user MoovManage service provides real time device tracking, schedule adherence monitoring, remote device configuration and Wi-Fi portal and usage statistics.

Launching the new service, Director, Paul Kavanagh said

It’s an exciting time for the company providing internet connectivity to our entire fleet introduces a technology platform on which we can build new and innovative services that not only benefit our passengers but also improve the way our fleet operates.

“We are delighted to have been selected by JJ Kavanagh and Sons for this landmark rollout of in vehicle internet”

“Such a major commitment to this technology from Ireland’s largest Irish owned player is clear evidence that public transport is the new major market for Wi-Fi hot spots and the services that in bus internet connectivity enables”.

“The additional ability of the MoovBox to act as an internet hub for in vehicle services such as tracking, CCTV and entertainment, means that forward thinking operators like JJ Kavanagh & Sons are equipping their fleets for future multimedia applications”.

“The demand for mobile internet connectivity has grown rapidly in recent years, particularly amongst business professionals who need to be accessible while on the move”

“The demand for mobile internet connectivity has grown rapidly in recent years, particularly amongst business professionals who need to be accessible while on the move”

JJ Kavanagh and Sons recently reinforced its position as Ireland’s premier Irish owed transport operator by launching an airport service to both Shannon and Dublin airports, running throughout the night. JJ Kavanaghs and Sons also operates an extensive service throughout Ireland. With the introduction of the new Wi-Fi service on all its coaches, JJ Kavanagh and Sons is providing an important service for all their busy customers who need and like to be accessible at all times whilst travelling.

-Ends

For further press information, please contact:

Jill Clarke at Buckeridge PR

Tel: 01 662 85 85 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Editors Note:

JJ Kavanaghs and Sons

Established in 1919, the family-run JJ Kavanagh and Son is the largest privately owned coach company in Ireland, with each coach having a maximum average age of 1.7 years, guaranteeing comfort, style and above all, safety for every customer every time. JJ Kavanagh and sons operate an extensive range of services including, airport services, corporate travel and tours throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe, college runs and widespread public transport services across Ireland. Spanning over three generations of ownership, JJ Kavanaghand  Son has now become the most modern and recognized coach operator in Ireland today with a fleet of over 110 failte Ireland approved coaches along with the recent addition of 15 triaxle Setra executive coaches.

For a full list of timetables, please contact JJ Kavanaghs and Sons

Tel: 056 8831106 or visit www.jjkavanagh.ie 

Fleet Connect Ltd: Established in 2008, Fleet Connect are a leading provider of in-vehicle systems for fast broadband access, delivering passenger Wi-Fi and GPS vehicle tracking, as well as the connectivity to enable live CCTV and e ticketing. Our partner, Icomera AB, is the principal manufacturer of innovative wireless communications products and services in Europe, with a specific focus on public transport and outdoor network applications. The company has rapidly established itself as a leading provider of industrial-grade systems for in-vehicle deployment with customers including the world’s largest transport operators. Fleet Connect are the exclusive reseller of Icomera products in Ireland.

On behalf of Vodafone:

Christine Heffernan

Tel:  087 991 35 17