Vertical: Venues
Application: Enhanced fan experience, real-time content sharing, digital ticketing, venue navigation, interactive services
Ecosystem: Boldyn Networks, Virgin Media O2, JMA Wireless
Private Network: 5G
Boldyn Networks and Virgin Media O2 have switched on enhanced 5G connectivity at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, marking the UK’s first full neutral host RAN managed service deployed in a high-density demand venue.
The deployment represents a significant milestone for the 49,000-seat stadium as Sunderland AFC returns to the Premier League and prepares to host the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. The venue’s connectivity infrastructure had not received upgrades for more than a decade.
Delivered through Boldyn’s connectivity-as-a-service (CaaS) platform and the Sunderland Open Network EcosysTem (SONET) project, the network upgrade promises to transform the matchday experience for fans while reducing space and power requirements by up to 60% compared to traditional indoor architectures.
Boldyn’s CaaS combines an evolved DAS system supporting the Open RAN fronthaul interface with JMA XRAN, a 5G Open RAN technology stack, and its own Network Management System. This integrated approach enables automated service assurance processes that reduce operational costs while improving service quality.
Virgin Media O2 serves as the first operator partner in this neutral host arrangement. Dr Rob Joyce, director of mobile access engineering at Virgin Media O2, emphasized: “We have a long history of giving our customers access to the best live entertainment, so it’s only natural that they will be the first to benefit from the next generation 5G network at the iconic Stadium of Light.”
With over half of Virgin Media O2’s subscribers now using 5G-capable devices, the network addresses the challenge of providing connectivity where thousands of users simultaneously demand high-speed data services for social media sharing, digital ticketing, and enhanced content experiences.
David Bruce, chief business officer at Sunderland AFC, highlighted the implications: “This technology will unlock incredible opportunities to enhance the matchday experience for our supporters through faster connectivity, richer content, and more immersive engagement than ever before.”
The project received £5.7 million in government funding as part of the UK’s £250 million Open Networks R&D Fund initiative to advance open RAN technology deployment. The SONET project supports connectivity enhancements at both the Stadium of Light and the new British Esports National Performance Campus in Sunderland.
Brendan O’Reilly, CEO of UK & Ireland at Boldyn Networks, positioned the deployment within the company’s broader strategy: “This project underscores our commitment to delivering innovative connectivity solutions that enhance the digital experience for users in high-density environments, without sacrificing cost or energy efficiency.”
