Wi-Fi to be Deployed Using Small Cell as a Service Business Model

August 9, 2016

August 9, 2016 — Ericsson will provide Wi-Fi connectivity to Ricoh Arena stadium in Coventry, England, using the Small Cell as a Service business model. As a result, visitors to the stadium will receive carrier-grade Wi-Fi connectivity and value-added services accessible via a mobile app. Under the terms of the 10-year agreement, Ericsson will provide Wasps rugby team and the Ricoh Arena with a complete, managed solution, including planning, design, implementation, integration, optimization and maintenance services.

To ensure fans receive seamless wireless coverage, Ericsson will design, plan, build and optimize a carrier-grade Wi-Fi access network, and then manage it on behalf of the stadium owner – Wasps Holdings Ltd. The Ericsson Networked Event platform will also be used to facilitate the creation of an app that provides location-specific news, information and value-added services.

“We believe Small Cell as a Service is the most efficient, cost-effective means of enhancing connectivity in stadiums,” said Valter D’Avino, head of Region Western & Central Europe at Ericsson. “We’re pleased that Wasps has become the first rugby club to take advantage of Small Cell as a Service, and we have some very exciting ideas about how to evolve our new partnership in the years to come by introducing other innovative solutions from our portfolio. Together we will make the Ricoh Arena one of the most technologically advanced venues in the United Kingdom.”

As part of the agreement, the Ricoh Arena’s exhibition venue – which regularly hosts sports fan villages, concerts for up to 12,000 people, sports events and tradeshows – will be re-branded as the Ericsson Exhibition Hall.