London Stadium has entered into a partnership with O2 Business and Cisco to deliver what it claims will be the fastest free stadium Wi-Fi in the UK, as part of efforts to become Europe’s most connected stadium.
The new London Stadium Wi-Fi network will provide high-speed internet to every seat in the venue. As part of a major improvement project, London Stadium’s original fibre backbone infrastructure, installed when the venue served as the centrepiece of the 2012 Olympic Games, has been enhanced with new high-speed data cabling.
Designed, installed and tested by O2 Business, the new Wi-Fi access points harness similar technology to that in use at The O2 arena and Twickenham Stadium. As part of the introduction, the system will be tested during November and December, prior to a full launch in February 2020.
Speaking last month, Karren Brady, vice-chairman of London Stadium’s anchor tenant, Premier League football club West Ham United, said she had been told by stadium owner E20 that the Wi-Fi infrastructure was being installed and should be ready in January. Brady, speaking at a West Ham United Official Supporters’ Board (OSB) meeting, said the club was making a “significant contribution” towards the cost.
London Stadium said the Wi-Fi project is being aided by the venue’s unique architecture. Using the facility’s cantilevered roof and gantry, O2 Business has installed a bespoke overhead antenna design to support Cisco’s High-Density Stadium Wi-Fi hardware, allowing blanket coverage for every seat.
Graham Gilmore, CEO of London Stadium, said: “It’s our ambition to be the most connected stadium in Europe, and the delivery of super-fast Wi-Fi is just the beginning of these plans.
“We’re committed to providing a world-class event day experience all year round, whether you visit London Stadium to watch Premier League football, Major League Baseball, international athletics, or an amazing concert, our goal is for fans to have access to the fastest Wi-Fi of any stadium in the UK, direct from their seats.”
Katy Liddell, director of business sales and service at O2, added: “We know how important it is for people to rely on consistent connectivity, wherever they are – and we’re looking forward to helping sports and entertainment fans benefit from a seamless Wi-Fi service at every event and fixture.”
Image: London Stadium
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