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The upgrade is part of EE’s ongoing efforts to improve connectivity at Wembley Stadium after a recently renewed partnership between EE and Wembley
Wembley Stadium is now the first sports venue in the UK to have its own dedicated 5G standalone (SA) network, following an upgrade by mobile network operator EE. The development puts Wembley ahead of other major UK sporting venues like Twickenham, the Principality Stadium, and Wimbledon in terms of mobile connectivity.
“The Lionesses have made history with their ground-breaking performances on the pitch, and now we’ve made history off it with the launch of the first 5G standalone network at Wembley Stadium,” said Marc Allera, EE’s CEO in a press release.
“Whether it’s the Emirates FA Cup Final or one of the hotly anticipated gigs this summer, our cutting-edge mobile connectivity will ensure fans can capture, share and experience history in new ways under the iconic Wembley arch in 2025,” he added.
Unlike non-standalone (NSA) 5G, which combines 5G RAN technology with a 4G core, 5G SA delivers 5G connectivity using dedicated 5G core. This allows for faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity, making it more efficient at handlig large amounts of data. It also allows for advanced uses such as real-time streaming and improved connectivity in crowded areas.
Beyond improving fan experience, EE’s 5G standalone network could also support Wembley’s operations, such as retail transactions and broadcasting services, with potential for future enhancements.
Since launching its 5G standalone network in September 2024, EE has expanded its availability to over 21 million people, equating to around a third of the UK population.
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