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Vodafone connects with Wimbledon

Telecommunications company Vodafone has agreed a multi-year deal to become the official connectivity partner of the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

As part of the agreement, Vodafone will use its connectivity capabilities and 5G technology to enhance the fan experience for spectators attending Wimbledon.

Vodafone will use augmented reality, virtual reality, 360, haptic and Internet of Things technology throughout the course of the partnership. Vodafone will also work with the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club (AELTC) and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to develop a new competition for grassroots players.

Vodafone will work with British tennis stars Tim Henman and Laura Robson to support the partnership. Max Taylor, Vodafone’s consumer director, told The Guardian that the company is also in talks for US Open champion Emma Raducanu to become a brand ambassador.

Taylor said: “There is a huge buzz around British tennis and Wimbledon is set once again to be a high point of the summer. We want to build on this momentum long-term by helping people get involved in the sport. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to use our connectivity to deliver a world-class experience for fans both on and off the court. We can’t wait to get involved.”

Guy Henderson, commercial director at the AELTC, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Vodafone as the official connectivity partner of The Championships. We are looking forward to seeing how Vodafone will create unique experiences to bring our fans even closer to the action at Wimbledon this summer. It is also very exciting to have a partner who shares our aim of promoting tennis to an even wider audience.”