WIG has ‘switched-on’ a new dedicated indoor mobile network to deliver an enhanced
passenger experience at Stansted airport.
Britain’s fourth largest airport, Stansted now offers fast, resilient mobile connectivity to
over 29 million passengers a year thanks to a new indoor network designed and
delivered by Wireless Infrastructure Group (WIG) in partnership with EE, Vodafone,
Virgin Media O2 and Manchester Airports Group.
WIG is the UK’s leading developer of high-quality multi-operator infrastructure for busy
public venues with demanding construction and operating requirements.
Working collaboratively with the airport and three MNO partners, WIG deployed a
Distributed Antenna System (DAS) designed to transform indoor mobile signal and
provide seamless mobile connectivity for passengers in all areas of the airport including
terminals, gates, baggage reclaim and operational ‘back-of-house’ areas.
Stansted is home to 15 airlines and 65 retailers and has around 108,000 passengers
travel through it daily during the peak summer period.
Andy King, Sales Director for Indoor Networks at WIG, said: “WIG delivers high-quality
and sustainable indoor connectivity solutions to more busy public venues across the
UK than any other provider, and we were ideally placed to manage the challenges of
building and operating infrastructure in one of the UK’s busiest airports. Our cutting edge network enables exceptional mobile services, benefiting everyone travelling through and working at Stansted airport.”
Adrian Corthine, Senior Project Manager, Vodafone, said: “Since we switched on the
system at Stansted there has been a significant change in the experience for our mobile
customers. Airports are some of the highest footfall locations and so having a dedicated
indoor network solution allows our customers to enjoy fast and reliable 4G coverage
and to download everything they need before boarding their aircraft.”
The new solution delivered by WIG divides the airport into distinct coverage sectors,
each with its own distributed antenna infrastructure. It overcomes mobile service
challenges in traditionally hard-to-reach areas, such as the high dwell zones in the
terminals, baggage handling areas and the spaces surrounded by thick concrete walls
or modern building materials.
Richard Taylor, Senior Planning Manager – Special Projects, Virgin Media O2, said: “At
Virgin Media O2, our Mobile Transformation Plan is focused on improving the experience
for customers in the moments that matter most. Airports are a great example of this and
the new system at Stansted, delivered by WIG, will improve the reliability of our network
now and into the future.”
James Browett, Special Projects Manager, EE, added: “From downloading in-app
boarding passes to making mobile payments in duty free, having fast and reliable airport
connectivity is an increasingly critical part of today’s travel experience. We’re delighted
to enhance performance of the UK’s best and most reliable network to customers at
Stansted through WIG’s smartly designed indoor solution, which enables high capacity
coverage even at the busiest times.”
Graham Pollitt, Technology Delivery Director for Manchester Airports Group which owns
Stansted, added: “During the planning and implementation of the project we worked
collaboratively with WIG and their operator partners. The outcome has been a huge
success for the airport, providing fast and reliable connectivity throughout the terminals,
enhancing passenger experience and improving operations for our staff and retailers on
site.”
To read the full case study, click here.
