THE CHALLENGE: When Your Classroom is Moving at 100 km/h

The Moncton Wildcats face a unique challenge that most businesses never encounter: how do you keep 34 teenagers educated, entertained, and connected when your "office" is a steel-wrapped bus traveling through some of Canada's most remote regions?

For CHL (Canadian Hockey League) teams, education isn't optional—it's mandatory. Player’s balance rigorous hockey schedules with high school coursework, and much of that learning happens on the road during long trips between games.

But before National Wireless, the Wildcats' connectivity setup was failing them.

The Technical Problem

"We had an older technology with no support," explained Jason Casey, the Motor Coach Operator at Moncton Wildcats Hockey Club. "We didn't have a reliable antenna on our bus. Everything was internal. Our bus is made of a steel chassis, wrapped with steel and aluminum with insulation. We had no way to bounce the radio waves outside of the vehicle."

The result? A perfect storm of connectivity failure: 

- Urban-only reliability: Connectivity worked in major cities but failed between cell towers

- Constant dropped packets: Data transmission was unreliable and inconsistent 

- No carrier redundancy: Single point of failure with no backup options

- Zero vendor support: Previous modem provider was unreachable when issues arose

The Business Impact: Education at Risk

For the Wildcats, this wasn't just about inconvenience, it was about regulatory compliance and player development.

"It's important to us because our owner prioritizes education both on the ice and off the ice," Jason said. "We need a very reliable internet source for the students' education. We need that uplink for internet and downloading."

What was at stake: 

The breaking point? Routes through northern Canada particularly the Montreal to Thunder Bay corridor—where cell service is non-existent for hours. Players couldn't access assignments, teachers couldn't track progress, and the bus essentially became a "connectivity black hole" for extended periods.

 

The Search: Finding a Partner Who Actually Answers the Phone

The Wildcats' search for a solution revealed a fundamental problem in the wireless connectivity industry: customer service is rare.

"I called multiple, multiple companies, and nobody answered the phone," Motor Coach Operator recalled. "I sent emails to several providers. National Wireless was the only company that answered."

The turning point: Monday morning email sent to multiple vendors. Within one hour, National Wireless responded. Within 24 hours, the system was approved and purchased.

"The reason why I bought it from National Wireless was because of the great customer service," he said. "In the transportation business, when you need help, you want somebody to answer the phone."

This wasn't just about the initial sale, it was about ongoing support. The Wildcats had experienced the alternative: vendors who disappear after purchase, leaving teams stranded when technical issues arise.

National Wireless was different: Same-day responses via phone, email, and service tickets. When complex issues arose, the team escalated internally and called back within hours with solutions. Even when Brian (Account Manager) was on vacation in Eastern Canada, another team member responded within one hour.

"I haven't called Brian recently because I have no problems," Jason said. "It's just that reliable."

The Solution: Panorama LGMDM8-6-60 Megalodon 11-in-1 antenna + Peplink Max BR2 Multi-Carrier Failover Router

National Wireless designed a comprehensive connectivity solution specifically for the Wildcats' unique mobile environment.

Hardware Deployed:

Panorama LGMDM8-6-60 Megalodon Antenna

• 11-in-1 antenna design (combines multiple cellular bands in single ruggedized unit)

• 5-meter extension cable for optimal roof-mounted placement

• External mounting (critical—bypasses steel/aluminum shell that blocked previous internal setup)

• Weatherproof, black finish designed for extreme Canadian weather conditions

• Multi-band support: LTE and 5G+ across all major Canadian carriers

Peplink Max BR2 Multi-Carrier Router with Failover

• Dual Bell LTE SIM cards (primary connectivity)

• Rogers SIM card (backup, though rarely needed based on Bell coverage)

• Starlink integration (satellite backup for true remote areas)

• 10-second automatic failover between carriers (seamless for users)

• Dual WiFi antennas broadcasting inside and outside the bus

• 34+ simultaneous device support (players + staff + gaming consoles)

Why This Configuration Works:

External Antenna Solves Faraday Cage Effect: The Megalodon antenna mounted externally on the bus roof captures cellular signals and brings them inside via the 5-meter cable—eliminating the steel/aluminum barrier that crippled the previous internal setup.

Multi-Carrier Redundancy: With two Bell SIM cards and one Rogers SIM, the system automatically switches carriers when signal strength drops. "If one SIM card's not working, the other one jumps on within 10 seconds," the Equipment Manager explained.

Starlink Integration for True Remote: For routes through northern Canada where terrestrial cellular is unavailable (Montreal to Thunder Bay corridor), Starlink satellite provides backup connectivity—ensuring education never stops, regardless of location.

Teacher Admin Access: The Peplink router allows the team's teacher to log in and monitor unique WiFi addresses—seeing exactly which players are connected and whether they're accessing educational platforms like Microsoft Teams or streaming entertainment.

Deployment Process: Faster Than Expected

"The install side—we talked back and forth on suggestions for a couple pieces of hardware," the Motor Coach Operator said. "With the experience of National Wireless and what I needed, we moved in the direction they recommended."

 

THE RESULTS: From Constant Complaints to Zero Issues

The transformation was immediate and dramatic.

Key Results:

-       Zero connectivity complaints since installation (previously constant)

-        10-second automatic failover between carriers (imperceptible to users)

-       Faster than hotel WiFi at remote locations (players preferred bus connectivity over hotel networks)

-        100% educational compliance enabled across all road trips

-       Teacher monitoring of homework completion via Microsoft Teams

-       PlayStation gaming without interruptions (Fortnite running smoothly even on 28-hour trips)

-       Eliminated "dog ate my homework" excuses (connectivity works 100% of the time)

The "Too Reliable" Problem

Perhaps the most telling indicator of success? Players now joke that they don't like how reliable the connectivity is because teachers can track their homework completion in real-time via Microsoft Teams.

"In hockey culture, maybe they don't like it too reliable because now they've got to do their homework," Jason laughed. "The kids don't like it now because they can't say the teacher, 'the dog ate my homework,' because the internet works every time."

Business Impact: Education Investment Delivering ROI

For Wildcats ownership, this wasn't just about technology—it was about proving their commitment to player development.

"Moncton Wildcats and ownership are investing in education," the Motor Coach Operator emphasized. "That was the reason why we invested so heavily. We have a couple runs where we basically head to Thunder Bay there is no phone service. Our primary internet with Starlink and the two Bell LTE cards means the teacher can tell if they're doing their homework or not on Microsoft Teams."

Translation: The connectivity solution transformed from a "nice-to-have" to a core enabler of the team's educational mission and a competitive recruiting advantage (parents want assurance their sons will stay on track academically during the season).

"National Wireless was the only company that answered the phone. I called multiple companies and nobody answered. They responded within an hour, and within 24 hours we had the system purchased. The reason I bought from National Wireless was customer service. Every time I've reached out—email, service ticket, or phone call—I get a response within an hour or two, not days. I would 100% recommend National Wireless. I've been promoting them because the service is unbelievable. And I haven't called Brian recently because I have no problems. It's just that reliable."

— Jason Casey, Motor Coach Operator Moncton Wildcats (Canadian Hockey League)

 

The Road Warrior Mentality: 8 to 28-Hour Trips

To understand the significance of this solution, consider the Wildcats' travel schedule:

• Short trips: 8 hours of driving

• Long trips: Up to 28 hours (two 10-hour driving days + 8 hours sleeping overnight)

• Routes: Montreal to Thunder Bay corridor (hours of zero terrestrial cell service)

• Users: 34 people simultaneously connected (players, coaches, staff)

• Use cases: Homework, Microsoft Teams, PlayStation gaming (Fortnite), video streaming, social media

Before National Wireless: These trips were connectivity nightmares. Players arrived frustrated, behind on schoolwork, and disconnected from home.

After National Wireless: Trips are productive, educational, and seamless. Connectivity is no longer a topic of conversation, it just works.

 

 

The Road Warrior Reality: 8 to 28-Hour Trips

 To understand the significance of this solution, consider the Wildcats' travel schedule:

• Short trips: 8 hours of drivingLong trips: Up to 28 hours (two 10-hour driving days + 8 hours sleeping overnight)
  

• Routes: Montreal to Thunder Bay corridor (hours of zero terrestrial cell service)

• Users: 34 people simultaneously connected (players, coaches, staff)Use cases: Homework, Microsoft Teams, PlayStation gaming (Fortnite), video streaming, social media

Before National Wireless: These trips were connectivity nightmares. Players arrived frustrated, behind on schoolwork, and disconnected from home.

After National Wireless: Trips are productive, educational, and seamless. Connectivity is no longer a topic of conversation, it just works.

 

Why National Wireless + Panorama Antennas? 

This case study showcases what happens when technical expertise meets exceptional service:

National Wireless:

• Responsive support: 1-2 hour response times (not days or weeks)
  

• Deep expertise: 37+ years solving complex mobile connectivity challenges
  

• Consultative approach: Recommended optimal hardware based on Wildcats' unique steel-chassis bus environment

• Ongoing partnership: Available for troubleshooting, optimization and expansion. 

• Canadian focus: Understanding of Canadian geography, carrier landscape, and remote connectivity challenges

Panorama Antennas:

• Ruggedized design: Built for harsh Canadian weather and constant vehicle vibration

• 11-in-1 antenna: Combines multiple cellular bands in single, streamlined unit

• External mounting advantage: Solves Faraday cage effect of steel/aluminum bus construction

• Proven performance: Signal strength so strong it outperforms hotel WiFi networks

• Weather-resistant: Black finish, sealed design for year-round Canadian use

Together: A connectivity solution that transforms mobile learning from "impossible" to "automatic."

 Peplink:

·       SpeedFusion SD-WAN Technology: Bonded multiple WAN connections (dual Bell LTE + Rogers + Starlink) into single, unbreakable link

·       10-second automatic failover: Seamlessly switches between carriers when signal drops—imperceptible to users

·       Load balancing: Distributes 34+ simultaneous users across multiple connections for optimal performance

·       Teacher admin portal: Allows educational oversight—monitor which students are connected and track homework completion via unique WiFi addresses

·       Dual WiFi broadcasting: Internal and external antennas ensure coverage both inside bus and for nearby devices

·       70+ patents in SD-WAN: Proven, enterprise-grade technology trusted by mission-critical deployments worldwide

·       5G-ready: Future-proofs the Wildcats' investment as carrier networks evolve

 

Looking Ahead: Expanding the Fleet

The Wildcats' success has created demand. Other CHL teams are taking notice. The Motor Coach Operator is already planning ahead:

"I'll call you when I have another team's bus," he said.

Translation: The solution isn't just working, it's setting a new standard for mobile education in junior hockey. Teams that prioritize player development now have a proven blueprint for reliable connectivity on the road.

ABOUT MONCTON WILDCATS

The Moncton Wildcats are a member of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), competing in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The team is committed to developing young hockey talent while ensuring players maintain their academic progress, a mission that requires reliable connectivity during extensive road travel across eastern Canada.

 

ABOUT NATIONAL WIRELESS

National Wireless is a Bell Mobility distributor with 37+ years of experience serving Canadian businesses. We specialize in connectivity solutions for construction, transportation, sports teams, retail, and business services. From site surveys to installation to ongoing support, we deliver reliable connectivity that keeps your operations running whether you're stationary or moving at highway speed.

 

ABOUT PANORAMA ANTENNAS

Panorama Antennas is a UK-based, family-owned designer and manufacturer of radio communications antennas. With heritage dating back to 1947 and now in its third generation, Panorama produces ruggedized, high-performance antennas for critical communications, IoT, cellular (2G-5G), transportation, and public safety applications worldwide. The LGMDM8-6-60 Megalodon 11-in-1 antenna is specifically engineered for mobile applications requiring multi-band cellular coverage in harsh environments.

 

ABOUT PEPLINK

Peplink is a global leader in SD-WAN solutions, specializing in bonding multiple WAN connections to create unbreakable connectivity for mobile and remote deployments. With over 70 patents in SpeedFusion SD-WAN technology, Peplink's routers are trusted by enterprises, transportation fleets, emergency services, and remote operations worldwide. The company's 5G-ready hardware supports multi-carrier failover, load balancing, and centralized management—making it the ideal solution for mission-critical applications where downtime is not an option. Peplink operates through a network of 500+ certified partners globally, delivering reliable connectivity solutions across industries.