Freshwave bring neutral host mobile connectivity to Principality Stadium

Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, is not only the spiritual home of Welsh rugby, but also a multi-faceted event venue, hosting everything from the Olympics to global superstars on billion-dollar concert tours.

High-capacity coverage for a multi-use venue

We acquired and upgraded the existing 4G distributed antenna system (DAS) to add a 5G overlay which was designed to accommodate all the UK mobile network operators (MNOs). It covers the venue across the bowl, concourses, hospitality boxes and other key internal areas. Vodafone, Principality Stadium’s Digital Transformation Partner, was live across the system in record time for the Six Nations match held there on 3rd February, 2024.

Another MNO is also live on 4G.

Project type

Spectators, tourists and guests

Connectivity to power a fun and safe fan experience

The stadium, the fourth largest in the UK, can accommodate 74,000 fans and tens of thousands of operational staff. With everyone congregating close together this is an extremely challenging environment in which to assure mobile connectivity, with carefully optimised radio planning required. The retractable stadium roof was another consideration that needed to be factored into the radio design.

1 year

The 5G overlay was deployed and activated in record time

3.3 TB

Concertgoers at Taylor Swift’s June 2024 gig consumed more than 3.3 terabytes of data on the network

One retractable roof to factor into radio frequency design

Seamless connectivity allows everyone to share their experience

People expect to be able to stay connected wherever they are, whether that’s for Instagramming a concert they’re at or arranging where to meet their friends at the venue. It also powers marketing opportunities for businesses at the stadium and keeps operational staff connected, helping them provide a safe environment. Our high-capacity DAS provides robust mobile connectivity and uninterrupted coverage.

Rhodri Lewis

Commercial and Legal Director

Welsh Rugby Union

As Wales’ national stadium, we want to give fans the best experience possible, with both the event they’ve come to see and the time they spend in the stadium. It was great to support our Principal Partner Vodafone working alongside Freshwave to achieve this.

Adrian Corthine

National In-Building Coverage Solutions Lead

Vodafone UK

Stadiums are incredibly complex environments to bring mobile connectivity into. But thanks to Freshwave’s collaborative approach to both commercial negotiations and technical design, the build took just one year and was ready in record time. Our customers have been making good use of the network, with the data being used at the Six Nations match on 3rd February, 2024 equivalent to 480 hours of high-definition video.

Learn more about how to connect thousands of delegates, spectators and guests at once.

We’ve connected many of the UK’s largest, most complex venues, including more than 50% of the UK’s top twenty stadiums. Find out why specialist radio engineering capability is the key to unlocking complex venue connectivity.

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Products and services used in this solution for Freshwave bring neutral host mobile connectivity to Principality Stadium

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Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS)

Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) enhance mobile coverage in large, complex environments like stadiums, airports, and multi-building campus facilities. Whether a lead-lined wall is blocking outdoor mobile signal or the number of people trying to use their phones is too high - DAS is ideal for providing consistent, reliable connectivity in the largest, most challenging spaces and places.