European wireless infrastructure provider Cellnex has deployed a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, the company said in a release.
The deployment of the new DAS will provide improved 4G mobile connectivity to the venue. Initially, the customers of U.K. carriers Vodafone and O2 will enjoy the enhanced connectivity at the venue. Cellnex said that additional operators are set to be connected in the future.
Cellnex noted that it has already made similar investments in large sporting complexes in Europe, including the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Juventus’ Stadium in Turin and the Olympic Stadium in Rome.
Mick Goulding, Head of Commercial at Cellnex UK, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Manchester City Football Club to provide this important connectivity solution for the Etihad Stadium. Fans will benefit from an efficient and high-quality signal to enable them to stay connected while they enjoy the quality football experience.”
“Cellnex is strategically placed to expand its presence in the UK market and facilitate the journey to 5G. The UK provides a fantastic opportunity for the company and we look forward to further opportunities in this sector,” the executive added.
Greg Swimer, CTO at City Football Group said: “We are pleased to have worked with Cellnex Telecom for this project. This is part of a long-term plan for us to improve connectivity around the Etihad Campus. Cellnex has a track record in the installation, management and maintenance of mobile network communications. This project will allow all those that visit our stadium to benefit from reliable 4G, as well as the prospect of even faster 5G signal when it is available on their devices.”
Cellnex Telecom currently has a portfolio of 58,000 sites including forecast rollouts up to 2027, as well as the agreement for the acquisition of Arqiva’s telecom division in the U.K. expected by mid-2020. Cellnex operates in Spain, Italy, Netherlands, France, Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Cellnex’s business is structured in four major areas: telecommunication infrastructures services; audiovisual broadcasting networks; security and emergency service networks and solutions for smart urban infrastructure and services management (Smart cities and the Internet of Things (IoT)).