Ireland’s Aviva Stadium and Shared Access, an independent owner and operator of shared wireless infrastructure, have partnered to improve the experience for fans on all mobile networks inside the sports venue.
Under this partnership, all three Irish mobile operators—Vodafone, Three and Eir—will be live for the 2020 sporting calendar, including the Six Nations rugby tournament.
The partnership will see significant investment in the Aviva Stadium over the next 25 years as Shared Access ensures that all mobile network operators are live inside the stadium with 4G coverage.
The next step of this partnership is to upgrade to add 5G technology, Shared Access said.
“Shared Access have been investing in grassroots sports in Ireland for over 12 years,” said Chris Jackman, CEO of Shared Access. “Having already built hundreds of operational sites, we are currently building a pipeline of over 150 new telecom installations nationally, and with our track record of investing in major venues already established we are delighted to be working with the Aviva Stadium to ensure it has the best mobile connectivity in Ireland now and in the future.”
“Bringing the best connectivity with an upgrade path ready for 5G to Ireland is critical in propelling the city forward to ensure future investment and to enable visitors to enjoy major events at the Aviva Stadium,” he added.
“Having the right telecommunication infrastructure partner who can ensure the best in class connectivity is key for any Stadium” stated Martin Murphy CEO of the Aviva Stadium. “The Aviva represents both national and international Football and Rugby and our goal is to ensure we have a strong technical and financial solution for connectivity both now and into the future”.
Shared Access had been engaged in the project to provide wireless connectivity to U.K. soccer club Tottenham Hotspur’s new stadium in London.
Totthenham Hotspur said that the new stadium features mobile voice and data services designed and installed by Shared Access for customers of UK carriers Vodafone, O2, EE and Three – as well as wireless emergency and support services and Wi-Fi.
Shared Access said it has a portfolio of over 50,000 site locations across the U.K. and Ireland. The firm’s investment strategy includes the development and build of conventional shared towers, floodlight schemes with integrated antenna systems, and in-building/Distributed Antenna Systems.
