MCG Enters ‘Elite Category’ Becoming First Australian Stadium To Offer 5G Technology

Fans attending this Saturday’s AFL Grand Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) will, for the first time ever, have access to 5G technology, giving them an enhanced network experience, with faster downloads, better browsing and connectivity.

With a crowd of up to 100,000 people expected on game day, telecommunications companies Telstra and Ericsson have teamed up to deliver the 5G coverage at Australia’s largest venue.

“On match day last year, we saw a massive 3.8 terabytes of data sent over Telstra’s mobile network at the MCG, which is equivalent to 1,200 hours of HD video content,” Telstra Networks and IT group executive, Nikos Katinakis, said.

“We’ll see this lift again next weekend with more data and more capability at the G.”

According to Telstra, the upgrade is part of a wider initiative that has been going on since 2015 where the telco has been upgrading both its 3G and 4G networks at the MCG.

However, this initial rollout is only the first stage of installation, the company said, noting Telstra and Ericsson will continue to evaluate 4G and 5G coverage at the MCG following the weekend event.

Melbourne Cricket Club Chief Executive, Stuart Fox, added: “We are pleased to be the first stadium in Australia to provide patrons with access to the 5G network thanks to Telstra and Ericsson.

“Ahead of hosting matches and the Finals of the ICC T20 Women’s and Men’s World Cups next year, the 5G at the ‘G technology puts us into an elite category to cater to international broadcasters, media and fans.”

Telstra has been a partner of the MCC since 2015.