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Somerset installs ground-wide Wi-Fi ahead of Cricket World Cup

Somerset County Cricket Club has detailed plans to launch ground-wide Wi-Fi at the Cooper Associates County Ground from the start of the 2019 season.

The club has been working with local IT and print services company ITEC for a number of months to install the necessary digital infrastructure as it seeks to enhance the fan experience on match days.

It will mark the first time that Somerset has been able to provide ground-wide Wi-Fi for members and supporters. The Wi-Fi will also help to improve the service offered by the ground on non-match days, with businesses, organisations and individuals able to use the technology for conferences, meetings and presentations.

The announcement has been made as the County Ground prepares to host matches during this summer’s Cricket World Cup.

Somerset CCC strategy director Sarah Trunks said: “Ground-wide Wi-Fi has been on our agenda for some time and it’s the next logical step to take when considering the match-day experience and additional value for our Members and supporters.

“With the ICC Cricket World Cup coming to Taunton alongside the installation of the new floodlights, now is the perfect opportunity to further our digital vision, and thanks must go to all those who have been involved in the process thus far.

“We are delighted to further our relationship with ITEC, who have previously supplied the club’s printers. They are a dynamic and growing company with their roots firmly placed in the South West and we look forward to working with them to deliver this service over the next few years.”

Nick Parsons, account director at ITEC, said: “SCCC have a clear digital strategy and are embracing market-leading technology to achieve their goals. We at ITEC are excited and proud to deliver the technology based 100 per cent around their requirements and provide full service to ensure the project’s success.

“The new Wi-Fi solution will put SCCC at the forefront of mobility technology, making them one of the most advanced stadiums in the UK. It will provide additional revenue generation tools and seamless wireless mobility to their visitors, allowing access to exclusive social media content, replays, rewards and promotions, enhancing the experience at the ground in unprecedented ways.”

Image: Somerset CCC