New Zealand's largest stadium rolls out 5G

Eden Park, which is located in Aukland, has upgraded to 5G ahead of hosting its first-ever concert.

Network operator Spark said the development makes Eden Park the first 5G-connected stadium in the country. The service launched on 24 April, the date of Eden Park's first ever concert, performed by SIX60.

Spark said that coverage would be available to over 75 per cent of the site, including the East and West stands, the No.1 Field, the lower South Stand and part of the lower North Stand. Expansion is planned in the coming months.

Speaking of the roll-out, a spokesperson for the company said: "Currently, most events held in New Zealand are in 4G coverage which can experience congestion, such as buffering, when huge crowds of people are located in one place.

"The immediate benefit for fans with a 5G compatible device who attend Eden Park will be the ability to share content with little to no buffering and considerably faster speeds than 4G."

Spark has also rolled out 5G in other locations around the New Zealand capital, including the central business district and parts of Devonport, Milford and Takapuna.

Eden Park is located between the suburbs of Mount Eden and Kingsland and was the first stadium in the world to host two Rugby World Cup finals, in 1987 and 2011. It will also be the site for the 2021 Women's Cricket World Cup, the final of the 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup and the opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

To continue the conversation join us at Critical Communications Network - the new online community for the sector