Faster, more reliable connectivity now supports the venue’s 1.3 million annual visitors, while Vodafone Business explores how 5G network slicing could support future operations.
Key takeaways
- VodafoneThree has installed dedicated 5G and 4G connectivity throughout Manchester’s Co-op Live, giving Vodafone and Three customers faster, more reliable connectivity at the arena.
- With 5G Standalone (5G SA) enabled at Co-op Live, Vodafone SuperMobile® customers can access 5G+ FastTrack™, offering speeds up to four times faster than standard plans in busy areas.
- Vodafone Business is exploring how 5G+ network slicing could give Co-op Live dedicated network capacity for services including payments, staff communications, security and guest services when demand is high.
VodafoneThree has announced that connectivity across Manchester’s Co-op Live – the UK’s next-generation live entertainment arena – has just gotten stronger and faster.
The announcement comes as part of a new technology partnership with Vodafone Business, the enterprise arm of VodafoneThree, and the installation of dedicated 5G and 4G throughout the venue for both visitors and venue operations.
How will network improvements benefit customers?
Vodafone and Three customers among the approximate 1.3 million visitors who visit Co-op Live each year are now enjoying fast and reliable data speeds on The Nation’s Network*. The improved connectivity – installed by VodafoneThree’s infrastructure partner, Cellnex – can also be used to support business operations across the arena.
The recent network improvements mean customers can automatically connect to the best coverage available – whether that’s the Vodafone or Three network – at no extra cost.
With 5G Standalone (5G SA) now enabled in the arena, customers on Vodafone SuperMobile® can also access Vodafone’s new 5G+ FastTrack™, with speeds up to 4x faster than standard plans in busy areas, meaning faster streaming or uploading while at a gig.
How will network improvements support businesses?
Vodafone Business is working with Co-op Live to explore how its new business-only 5G+ slicing, Vodafone SuperMobile for Business**, could support future operations across the venue.
By providing dedicated capacity on VodafoneThree’s network, network slicing can help keep business-critical services connected during periods of exceptionally high demand.
Potential applications include payment processing, staff communications, security operations, guest services and connected venue technologies, helping ensure reliable connectivity when it matters most.
“Our partnership with Vodafone Business forms a key pillar in our drive for technological innovation and excellence, tangibly elevating the in-venue experience for both fans and Co-op Live’s team members.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live
VodafoneThree network improvements across Manchester
Co-op Live is the latest Manchester venue to see improved coverage via dedicated solutions. Manchester Airport Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, as well as Trafford Centre, are also enjoying dedicated Vodafone 5G and 4G.
Meanwhile, innovative Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology, which has been installed at Co-op Live, has also started to be introduced to other locations across Greater Manchester, including masts near Piccadilly train station.
The recent improvements are part of VodafoneThree’s UK-wide £11 billion investment programme, which includes a commitment to reach 99% 5G SA population coverage by 2030, and 99.96% by 2034.
“People are using more data than ever, particularly in busy venues like Co-op Live. Which is why we continue to invest to stay ahead of that growth and ensure our customers can continue to enjoy fast and reliable coverage, both now and into the future. The introduction of our 5G will also help Co-op Live and the businesses supporting it to thrive, giving them the connectivity they need to serve their customers, operate efficiently, and make the most of new digital opportunities.”
Andrea Dona, Network Director, VodafoneThree
Frequently-asked questions
| What is 5G Standalone (5G SA)? | 5G Standalone is a 5G network that operates on a dedicated 5G core rather than relying on existing 4G infrastructure. It can provide faster speeds, lower latency, greater capacity and more reliable connections, while also enabling technologies such as network slicing. Vodafone 5G+ – Vodafone’s name for 5G Standalone services in the UK – is the UK’s fastest. |
| What is network slicing and how can it help at busy venues? | Network slicing is a 5G Standalone capability that creates dedicated virtual networks, or ‘slices’, on the public mobile network. Each slice can be dedicated to a particular service, helping maintain reliable performance when lots of people are using the wider network at the same time. VodafoneThree has previously used network slicing at live events to support applications including fan experiences, photography and payments. |
| What is Multi-Operator Core Network technology? | Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology is the first major benefit of the Vodafone-Three merger in the UK, for customers of both networks. It allows Vodafone and Three customers to automatically connect to the best available coverage from either network, at no extra cost. MOCN has been installed at Co-op Live as part of the connectivity improvements at the arena. |
Notes to Editors:
* The Nation’s Network is the combined Vodafone and Three network: The Nation’s Network: means the biggest mobile network infrastructure created by VodafoneThreeHoldings Ltd through the merger of Vodafone & Hutchison 3G UK. VodafoneThree has committed to spend £11bn to build world-class nationwide, digital infrastructure by 2034. Verification: Vodafone.co.uk/tnn
** For more information on Vodafone SuperMobile for Business, visit the Vodafone website.
About Co-op Live:
Co-op Live is the UK’s newest premier venue located on the Etihad Campus in the heart of Manchester. The 23,500-capacity arena features over 120 nights a year of unique entertainment, emerging as the largest arena in the UK, a testament to the unrivalled partnership between Oak View Group (OVG), City Football Group (CFG), Harry Styles, and Co-op.
Distinguished as a world-class, planet-friendly venue deeply rooted in the local community, Co-op Live is one of the world’s most sustainable and socially responsible venues delivering on Co-op’s vision of a fairer world within the entertainment industry. With an impressive array of food and drink concessions, including bars, premium restaurants, lounges, and club spaces, Co-op Live sets the standard for live entertainment in the music industry today. Venue excellence extends to the innovative ‘Smart Bowl’ design with cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art acoustics, crafted to offer an intimate and immersive sensory experience for all patrons.
