The new network will improve connectivity on match days when thousands of people descend on the site
Bath Rugby’s Ben Spencer during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final match between Bath Rugby and Leicester Tigers in June(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
A new ultrafast WiFi network has been installed at The Recreation Ground in Bath. It is understood the roll-out of 5G means there will be “predictable connectivity” across Bath Rugby’s home venue, including its fan zone.
The new private network is aimed at improving WiFi performance for visitors, when thousands of people are in attendance on match days, according to telecoms equipment vendor Antevia Networks.
Business Live understands Bath Rugby previously experienced “severe congestion” on its public WiFi and macro cellular networks, which would often cause point-of-sale terminals for food and drink, and club-shop transactions to fail.
The club will use the new network to carry out sales in the stadium; push-to-talk communications for medical teams and match-day operations; CCTV and body-worn cameras for crowd safety and control; temporary connectivity for VIP hospitality areas; high-speed media access for journalists filing live reports; and digital signage across fan areas delivering real-time interviews, replays and information.
“Bath Rugby’s Recreation Ground is a perfect example of how simple, scalable and cost-effective private 5G can deliver real-world value,” said Simon Cosgrove , chief executive at Antevia Networks.
“We’re proud to be supporting Bath Rugby with a network that stands up, even when the stadium is at full capacity, and we’re excited to keep expanding the use cases that can help deliver operational and commercial benefits for the club.”
Stuart Waine, director at Spry Fox Networks, said the new 5G network would “elevate” the matchday experience for fans.
“Working with Antevia Networks has been a genuine pleasure, and we look forward to deploying their 5G Private Network solution with a wide range of other clients as part of our future growth strategy.”
In September, proposals for a new rugby stadium in Bath were approved by councillors.
Under the plans, Bath Rugby will build a new 18,000-capacity stadium at The Rec, its current training ground. It is understood the Premiership Club will still need permission from the government to move forward despite council backing.
The club, which beat off rivals Leicester Tigers to win its first Premiership title in 29 years last summer, has played at The Rec for 130 years, but the current stands are temporary ones that can be dismantled.
