Satellite internet connects Cooma rally drivers to safety
Media release
* It is with much sadness that we update this content, letting readers know that this event succumbed to poor weather and was not able to go ahead. READ MORE HERE
More than 60 rally enthusiasts are expected to drive into the Snowy Mountains community of Bombala on 31 October 2020 for the annual Kosciusko Automotive Monaro Stages Rally.
The 65 participating drivers will be kept safe in this year’s event thanks to the satellite internet powering the event’s RallySafe system.
Sky Muster Plus connection keeps drivers safe
Leading rural internet service provider SkyMesh have provided the 2020 event with access to nbn™ Sky Muster Plus – including installation – enabling organisers to effectively monitor cars no matter where they are on the 313 kilometre track.
SkyMesh Managing Director Stephen O’Shanassy said given the year we’ve all had with bushfires, floods, COVID-19 and now a recession, events like the 2020 Kosciusko Automotive Monaro Stages Rally are crucial to lifting the spirits of rural Australian communities.
“Driver safety is an incredibly important component of this community event and SkyMesh is very proud to supply the internet technology to support that safety,” Mr O’Shanassy said.
[IMAGE SOURCE: Wishart Media]
RallySafe is a digital safety system which is installed in every vehicle to communicate the location, status and any potential dangers or hazards facing rally drivers on the track.
It means that officials back at rally headquarters can keep a watchful eye on drivers at all times and respond quickly if trouble ensues.
The system also communicates with other drivers on the route, so they know if there is a hazard ahead of them to be weary of, or if there’s a situation needing their assistance.
“Without a strong internet connection, this system simply doesn’t work,” said Mr O’Shanassy.
Rally Organiser Kim Winks says, “The SkyMesh connection ensures that competitors and event directors can communicate without delay.”
[IMAGE SOURCE: Kim Winks]
“We must ensure that the event has internet coverage to provide this safety procedure.
“Normally, this limits the areas we are able to run in and puts stress on the event with delayed response times.
“Safety is paramount in our sport and drivers are very pleased to have SkyMesh on board with the Sky Muster Plus service,” says Mrs Winks
“As a very small club that relies on the strength of its volunteers, we feel very privileged to be provided with this service to support us.
“Satellite internet has such a wide coverage area and ensures the safety and connectivity of our event, which in turn helps volunteers feel safe.”
Mrs Winks says residents of the Snowy Mountains community of Bombala have embraced and welcomed the event with enthusiasm.
“Their support has been paramount, and they look forward to seeing the cars race past,” she says.
“The internet you guys did for Kosciusko Automotive Monaro Stages Rally in the middle of Bondi forest, 100 miles from pretty much anywhere is better than what I have living in Canberra”
– Stephen Hodgkin, SkyMesh Instagram
In years gone by, the event has attracted more than 50 drivers, 80 officials and 600 spectators. Everyone involved in organising the event is a volunteer.
Organisers are expecting a bigger than ever turn out for the 2020 rally which was nominated for an Australia Day Award for Best Local Event in 2019 and won the Motorsports Australia Best State Event for NSW/ACT in 2018.
SkyMesh are proud to be sponsoring this event and keeping regional communities connected.
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