Wembley has become the first sports venue in the UK to have a dedicated standalone 5G network. Thanks to this innovation, fans attending events at Wembley can count on reliable, super-fast mobile connectivity.

First live event with new technology

The modern network will be used for the first time during the women's UEFA Nations League match between England and world champions Spain on February 26. This event will usher in an era of unparalleled connectivity for fans visiting Wembley Stadium connected by EE.

EE's CEO Marc Allera commented on this milestone: The Lionesses have made history with their ground-breaking performances on the pitch, and now we’ve made history off it with the launch of the first 5G standalone network at Wembley Stadium.

EE's new technology will provide Wembley users with numerous benefits, including faster mobile internet even at the busiest times, better video streaming quality for smooth content sharing and live broadcasting, increased connection reliability that eliminates the problem of network overload during major events and streamlines stadium operations to improve the functioning of retail and television broadcasting systems. By introducing a standalone 5G network, Wembley Stadium maintains its status as one of the best-connected sports venues in the world.

© Julian Tollast

How does 5G SA differ from existing technologies?

Unlike previous solutions, which were based on 4G infrastructure, the standalone 5G network operates independently, allowing for better use of available bandwidth and higher performance. This means, among other things, a more stable internet and the ability to serve more users simultaneously.

The launch of this technology at Wembley is part of EE's strategy to provide the highest quality network services in the UK. As of September 2024, the company has already made an autonomous 5G network available to more than 21 million people across the country.

As EE emphasises, the standalone 5G network is a step into the future that enables the further development of digital experiences in stadiums. Thanks to the new technology, fans can expect an even better connection at future sporting events and concerts.

Whether it’s the Emirates FA Cup Final or one of the hotly anticipated gigs this summer, our cutting-edge mobile connectivity will ensure fans can capture, share and experience history in new ways under the iconic Wembley arch in 2025 Marc Allera concluded.

© Jas Mann