DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg has become South Africa’s first 5G-enabled stadium after telecommunications company Telkom unveiled its new nationwide network at the venue.
Telkom last week unveiled the 5G network at the iconic South African cricket stadium, which recently signed a naming-rights deal with Dubai-based logistics company DP World.
The network will be available to Telkom customers inside the stadium. Telkom has partnered with Huawei to build and support the 5G network, and Wanderers Stadium will utilise the technology to enhance the fan experience.
The technology, which went live at the stadium last week, will open up opportunities for cashless payments.
Lunga Siyo, chief executive of Telkom’s consumer and business practices, said: “The 5G network supplements our current connectivity ecosystem, offering a diversity of connectivity solutions and improved network responsiveness.
“5G is the next frontier of technological innovation and we are excited to bring this technology to the fingertips of all South Africans to realise the potential of a fully connected world.”
DP World assumed naming rights to Wanderers Stadium after taking over the contract previously held by Johannesburg-based logistics firm Imperial.
The latter company agreed a five-year deal for the naming rights in 2019, but was acquired by DP World in March. This contract also included naming rights to the Gauteng Lions men’s and women’s cricket teams, which DP World will continue to back.
DP World said it aims to utilise the Wanderers partnership as a platform from which to drive awareness of various socio-economic issues such as gender-based violence, support South African sporting heroes, and continue to make a positive impact on the country and the continent as a whole.
