Vodafone is showcasing its smart stadium technologies at the World Stadium Congress, which runs until May 24 at the Westin Doha Hotel & Spa.
As the Title Sponsor of the event, Vodafone said it is demonstrating how the company is leveraging the power of its international network and global leadership in Internet of Things (IoT) technology to help deliver the ultimate experience for sports fans and developing the stadiums of the future.
The congress, which has grown into a leading global platform for leaders in sport infrastructure and tournament delivery, kicked off on Monday in Doha where representatives from 25 countries gathered to discuss the future of sport infrastructure development, tournament delivery and legacy.
Sheikh Hamad al-Thani, Vodafone Enterprise Sales director, said: “As Qatar’s 2022 World Cup preparations accelerate, so will fans’ expectation for super-fast connectivity. The ability to share videos, pictures, and messages with people online will be an important aspect of the fan experience and with more than a million people expected to travel to the Middle East’s first World Cup, the level of connectivity and sharing will be exceptional.”
He added: “Innovative technologies enabling fans to stay connected during the tournament will form a large part of delivering an unforgettable experience for those inside the 2022 venues. Through our international network and global leadership in IoT technology, we are ideally-placed to provide just this and are already doing so in Turkey’s smart stadium, the Vodafone Arena and in Spain’s Valencia Football Club.”
Mohamed Serieh, Vodafone Qatar’s head of Enterprise Marketing, showcased the details of Turkey’s Vodafone Arena in a keynote presentation.
At every home game played by Turkish Super League side, Be?ikta? JK, more than 40,000 fans have access to Wi-Fi, 2G, 3G, and 4.5G ready broadband network connections, rich-content displays on the 700 HD screens, and Vodafone Arena mobile application, as well as video walls that broadcast all the content that fans dream of, including interviews, match statistics, and live updates on other games.
Moreover, spectators and visitors are offered an end-to end digital experience and premium comfort during match days through location-based services based on Beacon technology.
In May 2016, Vodafone Qatar and Vodafone Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) designed to accelerate the transfer of knowledge, expertise and technological know-how from Turkey’s first smart-stadium, the Vodafone Arena to one of the world’s fastest growing football markets in Qatar.
Visitors to Vodafone’s stand at the event’s exhibition were able to experience the Vodafone Arena via a virtual reality tour in addition to other advanced technologies used for large sporting events including: critical communication networks – Tetra, smart bus, smart shelter, Meshh, and Mobile Asset Tracking.
In order to assure effective communication for public safety officials and first-responders it is necessary to provide coverage for Public Safety Radio communications in public buildings and other locations like sporting venues. Vodafone designs and deploys single Distributed Antenna Systems that can be utilised for Tetra, LTE, Wi-Fi, and some of the 5G prime bands.
The smart bus features video surveillance, Wi-Fi and advertisement opportunities all connected through an IoT gateway. The Wi-Fi on-board keeps commuters connected while on the go.
Equipped with a Wi-Fi connection and powered by solar panels, the smart bus shelter is self-sustaining and delivers new services such as dynamic advertising and data collection.
When users connect to the Meshh network, they access a hub of information related to the venue or their location. By connecting to the Meshh network, sports fans will be able to access match stats, stream replays, and get arena information.
With Vodafone’s Mobile Asset Tracking solution, customers will know where their assets go with complete visibility and control.
