Telecommunications giant O2 has completed a major upgrade to its mobile network in and around Wembley Stadium ahead of the FA Cup Final.
The upgrade will deliver a connectivity boost for customers ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace and to those set to visit the area throughout what is poised to be one of the biggest summers 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 are set to 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.
It is part of Virgin Media O2’s recently announced Mobile Transformation Plan, which will see the operator invest approximately £700m in 2025 to future-proof its mobile network.
Within the stadium’s stands, concourses, and hospitality areas, the Reading-based firm’s customers will be able to use the operator’s 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.
The news comes just days after it was confirmed that Virgin Media O2 will merge with Lancashire-based telecommunications firm Daisy Group to create a £1.4bn revenue company.
“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,” said Steven Verigotta, director of radio and mobile backhaul delivery at O2.
“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.”