PT - Portugal Telecom – is in charge of the different communication issues of Rali Vinho Madeira and keeps a long standing link to the event organization, with mutual benefits.

“This Rally is cherished by the madeirans, those living here and those who are abroad. As a brand, we like to be connected to these event and is an advantage to be associated with an organization that has the prestige of Rali Vinho Madeira. It is no doubt a successful partnership”, stressed Jorge Sequeira, commercial director of PT in Madeira.

Technological evolution has brought new challenges in the telecommunications area, that take, more and more, a central role. The partnership with the rally, has taken different shapes, according to the updates that go out in the area.

“Mobile phones and internet, for example, have brought new demands, conecrning the reinforcement of mobile network, not only for the communications of those involved in the race, but as well for the public and media”, he stressed.

A good example is to be seen on the safety area, with the installation of GPS systems in the participant cars. To allow the organization to locate them, every 10 seconds a message with the coordinates is sent. “Only inside the stages, there are around 60 thousands sent messages”.

Following the race, with smartphones, is another demand of the fans that needs strong decisions from PT. “Now, some 30 antennas have to be reinforced to allow for a larger traffic. In some places some temporary stations are set, like in Terreiro da Luta”, told Jorge Sequeira.

Long gone are the times when many cables were set all ove the mountains. Now, the transmission is done through mobile data and all the needs are met "by excellent professionals, who have been working in partnership with the organization for a long time”. PT has staff working full time at the rally HQ, so that nothing fails in communication and access to the information about the event that, these days, thrills Madeira with international repercussions.