Back of the net: O2 upgrades its mobile network in and around Wembley Stadium ahead of a blockbuster summer of events

• O2 has upgraded its mobile network in and around Wembley Stadium to bring enhanced 5G connectivity to fans ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup final and a record summer of events at the venue
• Fans are now benefitting from O2’s next generation 5G standalone network throughout the stadium, which is provided by a dedicated distributed antenna system (DAS)
• The operator has also deployed seven new small cells outside the stadium and upgraded two masts in the area, which are delivering a more reliable service for fans before and after events, including in the busiest areas around Wembley Park station and along Wembley Way

O2 has completed a major upgrade to its mobile network in and around Wembley Stadium, delivering a connectivity boost for customers ahead of the FA Cup Final and what is set to be one of the biggest summer of events in the venue’s history.

More than 2.5 million people are set to descend on the iconic stadium this summer for a record number of events, including seven Oasis shows and the Dua Lipa O2 Priority gig. The upgrade means music and sport fans will benefit from improved reliability and faster speeds, even at the busiest times, making it easier to share their experience, contact family and friends and navigate digital ticketing and payment seamlessly.

Within the stadium’s stands, concourses, and hospitality areas, O2 customers will be able to use the operator’s next generation 5G standalone network to stream, share and connect in real time, even at full capacity.

Outside the venue, the installation of seven new small cells and the upgrade of two towers in the area is providing enhanced coverage and capacity for residents, businesses and the millions of visitors expected throughout the summer.

Steven Verigotta, Director of Radio & Mobile Backhaul Delivery at O2 said: “Wembley is one of the UK’s most iconic venues and this summer promises to be one of its biggest in living memory, from the FA Cup Final to the long-awaited return of Oasis. Our investment in and around the stadium is designed to give a huge capacity boost to O2 customers attending these events, so they have the best possible experience.”

These upgrades are part of Virgin Media O2’s recently announced Mobile Transformation Plan, which will see the operator invest approximately £700m this year to future-proof its mobile network. The plan is focused on expanding 4G and 5G coverage, a dedicated small cells rollout to boost capacity in dense urban areas, and innovative solutions to address persistent network pain points including along railway lines, at airports, on motorways, and in stadiums and arenas.