Wembley Stadium has become the first stadium in the UK to have a bespoke 5G solution dedicated just to the pitch, as part of the latest connectivity venture in its ongoing partnership with mobile network operator EE.
EE’s 5G network already covers spectator stands at the national stadium in London and the new system extends coverage to the pitch, which is hosting over one million gig goers over the summer months.
EE has said the system is a 5G first for pitch coverage, delivering greater reliability and 5G download speeds for large crowds in standing areas. EE customers are the first to access the improved coverage as the stadium hosts a series of gigs from artists including Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, Westlife and Coldplay.
The Capital FM Summertime Ball, which kicked off Wembley’s summer gigs on June 12, demonstrated the volumes of data consumed by customers. EE users downloaded over 3,500 gigabytes and uploaded over 3,000 gigabytes of data, creating the single biggest ‘mobile data event’ on the Wembley network.
Liam Boylan, stadium director at Wembley Stadium, said: “The use of Wembley Stadium’s pitch makes for a unique venue and we want visitors to have the best possible experience when they’re here. EE’s new system, which is capable of supporting multiple networks, offers the kind of reliability we need and we’re delighted to see this next step in our technology partnership.”
In June 2019, EE renewed its sponsorship of Wembley Stadium as part of a wide-ranging partnership between its parent company BT and the English Football Association. Under the five-year agreement, the 90,000-seat venue retained its official title of Wembley Stadium connected by EE.
EE has been striving to ensure that Wembley retains its status as one of the best-connected stadia in the world, with fans enjoying an enhanced 4G and 5G mobile experience and super-fast Wi-Fi.
Dave Salam, director of mobile at EE, said: “We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with Wembley Stadium and continue to deliver technology firsts on our quest to keep Wembley the UK’s most connected stadium.
“Delivering the new 4G and 5G system has taken months of testing but we’re delighted to see the results, giving EE customers in large crowds a greater experience than ever before.”
Image: BT
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