Current English Premier League Champions, Chelsea Football Club has expressed their concern over the difficulties fans go through when trying to upload photos and videos because of low bandwidth speed as a result of internet congestion emanating from the crowd using public network at the Bridge and have addressed that by launching a free WiFi exclusively for Chelsea fans who come to watch matches in the home stadium.
Now Chelsea have partnered with Ericsson to provide a “free” Wi-Fi network throughout Stamford Bridge . To enjoy this, you are expected to register, give out your email, and possibly sign up for offers and ads and spam and possibly other such “promoted content”, but that’s a fairly standard cost, all things considered. They are also expected to put in some safeguards (bandwidth restrictions?) against live-streaming games and other such shenanigans.
Free Wi-Fi coverage will be provided via the
Small Cell as a Service connected venue business model whereby Ericsson designs, builds and operates the network on the customer’s behalf.
Report from London further highlighted that Chelsea FC will be able to provide fans throughout the stadium with a richer experience that enables them to interact digitally with each other, the club, friends and family.
In winning their fifth Premier League title in 2016/2017, Chelsea FC sold out every home match day at Stamford Bridge.
Many fans used their smartphones to share photos and videos via social media, often stretching cellular networks to the limit. To ensure visitors can enjoy a seamless digital experience, Ericsson will design, build and operate a carrier-grade Wi-Fi access network and then manage it on Chelsea FC’s behalf.
Chris Townsend, Chelsea FC commercial director, says: “We look forward to a rich partnership with Ericsson which will directly assist the thousands of fans who come regularly to Stamford Bridge. Ericsson leads the way in providing innovative digital solutions and we welcome them to the Chelsea family.”
Arun Bansal, senior vice president, Europe & Latin America, Ericsson, says: “Our research indicates that people want to use their digital devices wherever they go – and the urge to connect is even greater at a Chelsea FC home game. Through this partnership, we will ensure the connectivity at Stamford Bridge matches the quality of the football and look forward to exploring further options that will enable Chelsea FC to take the digital experience to the next level.”
Personally, I think this is a well planned and good innovation to attract fans to come and watch their team play as well as cheering them while also browsing free for about 1hr 30minutes they will be staying in the stadium