We’re seeing a lot of updates on wireless infrastructure of late, and Telstra has today announced an update for the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground that will improve reception for Telstra 3G and 4G customers.
The upgrades will mean customers will be able to use their phones and wireless devices just like they would in other parts of the network, even on game day. The MCG can hold anywhere up to 100,000 spectators plus support staff, so promising that kind of access is a big call.
The new technology installed by Telstra includes provision for future use of LTE-Broadcast which allows for ‘dedicated video streaming such as the different camera feeds from the game’. Telstra trialled their LTE-B service at ANZ stadium last year during the NRL grandfinal so it’s good to see it being shared with AFL fans.
The new infrastructure includes a lot of new hardware, all linked to the North Melbourne exchange via optical fibre link. Telstra lists the new hardware features as including 430 antennas, 33 kilometres of cabling and 132 transmission modules – making for what they call ‘the largest spectral deployment of carrier frequencies in any stadium in the southern hemisphere’.
Of course the proof is in the pudding as they say and if you’re a Telstra mobile customer, and heading to a game at the MCG we’d love to see some speed tests while you’re in the area.
At one stage they had Internode offering free WiFi but it was crappy. But its great to see this major update and I look forwarding to trying it out next time I’m at the footy…. P/S Go Tiges! 🙂