CONNECTIVITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE
St John’s Co-Cathedral delivers seamless Wi-Fi with Smart Technologies and Ruckus
St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta is one of Malta’s most treasured cultural and religious landmarks. With thousands of daily visitors and regular large-scale events such as concerts and special exhibitions, the team behind the cathedral faced a modern challenge: how to provide reliable Wi-Fi access without compromising the historic integrity of the site.
Until recently, guests had no access to Wi-Fi, whether visiting the cathedral during opening hours or attending an evening event. This created limitations, particularly for accessing digital resources like event programmes, audio guides, or real-time updates.
A BALANCE BETWEEN FUNCTIONALITY AND HERITAGE
The goal was clear: deliver high-speed wireless connectivity throughout the cathedral without impacting its architectural or visual character. However, this was far from straightforward. The Wi-Fi hardware had to remain completely out of sight to preserve the atmosphere and ensure visitors could photograph the space without visible interference.
Smart Technologies approached the project with care, working closely with the RUCKUS team and the cathedral’s administration to assess the environment, identify coverage gaps, and understand the sensitivities involved. From the outset, it was agreed that any technical solution would need to be both discreet and high-performing.
RUCKUS NETWORKS: DISCREET POWER
Smart Technologies implemented a Ruckus wireless network featuring BeamFlex technology, known for its ability to deliver strong, reliable performance in complex environments. The hardware was positioned strategically to ensure full coverage while remaining invisible to the public.
This meant that both daily visitors and event attendees could enjoy fast, stable Wi-Fi across the cathedral, without any impact on their visual or cultural experience.
The result is a system that meets modern expectations without compromising tradition. A blend of thoughtful planning and world-class technology.
NEEDS:
- Provide visitors and event attendees with access to fast, reliable Wi-Fi
- Maintain the visual integrity of the historic cathedral interior
- Ensure uninterrupted service across large and varied events
- Respect architectural restrictions and cultural sensitivities
CHALLENGES:
- No pre-existing Wi-Fi network
- Strict requirement for equipment to remain hidden
- High-density public areas with variable foot traffic
- Thick stone walls and structural barriers
SOLUTIONS:
- Ruckus network installation with BeamFlex adaptive antenna technology
- Careful placement of access points to ensure full coverage without visibility
- Collaborative planning with the cathedral team
- Smart Technologies’ specialist experience in heritage and complex environments
RESULTS:
- Reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi for all visitors and events
- Zero visual impact on cathedral interiors
- Seamless access to digital content and online event resources
- Successful project delivered with full respect for cultural heritage
WHAT OUR CLIENTS AND PARTNERS SAY:
“The service we are experiencing from both the RUCKUS solution and Smart Technologies is excellent. The fact that we were able to overcome all the challenges we faced, is why I can recommend Smart Technologies for similar projects in challenging environments.” — Ian Camilleri, COO at St John’s Co-Cathedral