The challenge 

London Stansted Airport faced mobile connectivity challenges inside the terminal largely due to the metal and reinforced glass construction of the building which prevents the effective penetration of external mobile services. Pre-existing mobile connectivity solutions provided some indoor coverage but lacked capacity resulting in a poor mobile experience for passengers when making calls, sending texts and accessing data services. This negatively impacted critical tasks such as downloading boarding passes, booking onward travel and communicating with family and friends.

The solution

Together with the team at London Stansted Airport and our Mobile Network Operator (MNO) partners, we designed and successfully deployed a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) to provide seamless mobile coverage and capacity throughout the airport. The system ensures reliable, high-quality mobile services for passengers, staff and businesses, even in high footfall areas including check-in and departures.

“Our partnership with WIG has been invaluable in transforming mobile connectivity at London Stansted Airport. From the outset, WIG took the time to understand our unique challenges and worked closely with our team to design and implement the solution. Their expertise, proactive approach and commitment to collaboration ensured a smooth deployment of the system, which now delivers fast, reliable mobile coverage for millions of passengers, staff and retailers. We look forward to continuing our work together in the future.”

John Vincent, IT Business Partner STN, MAG Technology

The benefits

The solution has Vodafone, EE and VMO2 connected, ensuring all users, regardless of operator, have exceptional mobile service throughout the terminal. This significantly enhances the airport experience and streamlines passenger flow through the airport.

Seamless passenger connectivity

Passengers now enjoy fast, uninterrupted mobile service throughout the entire airport, whether making calls, streaming content, using travel apps or accessing real-time flight updates. This seamless connectivity enhances the travel experience by reducing frustration and ensuring they can stay connected with family, colleagues and travel services at all times. 

Optimised airport operations 

Security teams, ground crews, airline staff and customer service representatives remain in contact, enabling faster response times and enhancing safety throughout the airport. Real-time access to critical systems and operational apps allows teams to monitor flight schedules, baggage handling and passenger flow with greater accuracy, minimising disruptions and ensuring more efficient airport operations.

Enhanced experience

Retailers and food and beverage outlets can streamline operations with contactless payments and mobile loyalty programs, enhancing customer engagement and brand experience. Staff benefit from uninterrupted access to inventory systems and cloud-based apps, improving stock management and service delivery. The use of mobile ordering, app-based reservations and real-time order tracking enhance dining experiences.

Future-ready capability

The provision of site-wide mobile coverage will allow the airport to integrate cutting-edge, passenger applications such as AR/VR guides and AI-powered customer service, positioning Stansted as one of the UK’s most innovative airport facilities and delivering on its mission of making it the number one choice for passengers and airlines.