Boldyn Networks, the London-based neutral host provider, and U.K. mobile network operator, Virgin Media O2, announced they have deployed enhanced 5G connectivity at the iconic Stadium of Light in Sunderland. The deployment utilizes Boldyn’s connectivity-as-a-service (CaaS) which the company claims is the U.K.’s first full neutral host RAN managed service in a high-density demand venue.
With CaaS, Boldyn provides dedicated network management, monitoring, and optimization resources for the venue. The company says CaaS increases the levels of service assurance while reducing involvement from the MNO’s own resources. Boldyn points out that the upgrade to high-speed 5G services provides a robust connectivity experience for the 49,000 stadium spectators.
For mobile customers, VMO2 says the new network will translate into more interactive, digitally enabled services, including seamless uploads and downloads of videos and social media, increased safety, and personalized experiences during events like in-seat food ordering. The stadium operator says this capability will be especially important as the venue prepares to host the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup and Sunderland AFC returns to the Premier League.
Boldyn says its CaaS features an enhanced connectivity managed service which combines an “evolved” distributed antenna system (DAS) that supports O-RAN fronthaul interface standard and JMA XRAN, a pioneering 5G O-RAN technology stack, with Boldyn’s Network Management System (NMS). The company claims this fully virtualized O-RAN-based platform reduces space and power requirements by up to 60 percent compared to traditional indoor wireless architectures and the NMS reduces associated operational costs.
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