Wireless Infrastructure Group and Vodafone announce cutting-edge 5G connectivity at Trafford Centre

Wireless Infrastructure Group (WIG), the UK’s leading provider of indoor mobile connectivity solutions, is proud to announce the seamless upgrade of its pioneering mobile infrastructure at Trafford Centre, one of the largest shopping destinations in the UK. This enhancement significantly improves the mobile experience for visitors and retailers, demonstrating WIG’s continued commitment to working in partnership with our venues and the mobile network operators (MNOs) to deliver the latest technologies enabling high-quality mobile connectivity in busy environments.

For over a decade, WIG’s long-term investment in Trafford Centre’s mobile infrastructure has supported more than 30 million visitors annually. As the demands for mobile connectivity continue to grow, driven by increasing reliance on mobile devices for activities ranging from social media to real-time business operations, WIG has further strengthened its partnership with Trafford Centre and trusted relationships with mobile operators, like Vodafone, to introduce the latest mobile technologies — including 5G.

With Trafford Centre spanning 2.2 million square feet of retail space and housing Europe’s largest food court, The Orient, uninterrupted mobile coverage across the entire complex is essential for both visitor satisfaction and operational efficiency. WIG’s latest upgrade was delivered seamlessly, ensuring that businesses and visitors alike continued to enjoy a far-reaching mobile service without disruption.

The deployment of Vodafone’s ultrafast 5G network, coupled with enhanced 4G coverage, means Trafford Centre is experiencing a new era of mobile connectivity. Shoppers, diners and leisure-goers now benefit from reliable, high-speed mobile coverage, even in high-traffic areas such as The Orient. This transformation not only enhances the overall customer experience but also supports retailers and centre staff with the tools they need to streamline operations and improve logistics efficiency.

Businesses within Trafford Centre are now equipped with powerful tools such as real-time data analytics and automated systems, enabling them to optimise inventory management, gain deeper insights into customer behaviour and ultimately drive better business outcomes.

Craig Birchenough, CEO Indoor Networks at Wireless Infrastructure Group, emphasised the importance of our trusted relationships with both venues and the mobile operators saying “We are proud to be partnering with Vodafone again, this time to enhance the visitor experience and improve retailer operations at Trafford Centre, one of the UK’s biggest and busiest shopping malls. Our project at Trafford Centre demonstrates how pioneering mobile infrastructure can be seamlessly upgraded to support the latest technologies including 5G driving operational efficiency, enhancing customer engagement and future-proofing venues to ensure they meet the digital demands of their staff, visitors and tenants.”

Adrian Corthine, Senior Project Manager at Vodafone, commented “The improvements across Trafford Centre means it’s now future-proofed when it comes to the expected demand on its future data usage” said Adrian Corthine, who leads Vodafone’s National In-Building Coverage Team in the UK. “The improved Vodafone 4G will ensure visitors have the strong and reliable coverage they rely on, whilst businesses have the connectivity to support business tools such as ePOS and digital marketing campaigns. We’re particularly excited to see our 5G go live. Businesses in and around the Great Hall can now use the technology to explore new applications to best serve their customers. This could mean anything from introducing virtual reality (VR) promotions, to managing customer orders in peak hours to real-time stock controls.”

Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, expressed his satisfaction with the upgraded connectivity, stating “We’re delighted with the mobile connectivity that Vodafone and Wireless Infrastructure Group have implemented across Trafford Centre. As one of the UK’s largest premier retail and leisure destinations, it’s essential that our visitors and businesses can rely on strong, uninterrupted mobile coverage. The introduction of Vodafone’s 5G, particularly in the Great Hall, ensures we meet the growing digital needs of our visitors, retailers and staff.”

As mobile usage continues to rise and businesses explore new ways to engage customers, WIG and Vodafone’s collaboration ensures that Trafford Centre remains equipped to meet growing connectivity demands. From frictionless retail transactions to immersive digital experiences, the enhanced 4G and 5G network is empowering businesses to stay ahead of the curve, while delivering the high-quality mobile services visitors expect at one of the UK’s most iconic shopping destinations.

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