Crystal Palace FC Unveils Groundbreaking 5G Network for Visually Impaired Fans
Staff Editor Crystal Palace FC Pioneers Private 5G Network for Visually Impaired Fans
Crystal Palace Football Club has partnered with Shared Access to implement a groundbreaking private 5G network at Selhurst Park, revolutionizing the matchday experience for visually impaired supporters. The initiative, which launched on September 21, marks Crystal Palace as the first club to offer a permanent vision-enhancement system.
The collaboration aimed to address connectivity challenges that hindered the club’s efforts to provide real-time audio descriptions for visually impaired fans. Initial attempts to utilize WiFi for streaming to headsets encountered significant latency issues, while public 4G and 5G networks proved inadequate due to external data transfer delays and high user demand during match days.
To overcome these obstacles, Shared Access installed a private 5G network with an on-site core at Selhurst Park. This enclosed connectivity solution eliminates external data transfer and security protocol delays, ensuring seamless, real-time streaming to the headsets. The club maintains control over network access, dedicating bandwidth specifically to this service.
The impact of this innovative system has been immediate, with increased attendance and improved experiences reported by visually impaired supporters. This success story highlights the potential of private 5G networks in addressing connectivity challenges in various venues and industries.
Looking ahead, the technology opens doors for numerous applications within the stadium environment. Potential uses include powering vendor tills, enhancing security camera placement, and aiding broadcasters. The foundation of this private network is expected to encourage further innovative collaborations and applications, potentially benefiting other sports venues and large-scale events facing similar connectivity issues.
As the first of its kind in football, Crystal Palace’s implementation of this technology sets a new standard for inclusivity and fan experience in sports, demonstrating the transformative power of 5G in enhancing accessibility for all supporters.
