Verizon is getting ready for a big jump in mobile traffic this summer as large crowds gather for major soccer matches in North America. The carrier expects fans at a single stadium to use more than 50 terabytes of mobile data during one match, which is roughly 90 minutes long, as people stream video, share photos, post clips, and make calls during the event.
As reported by PhoneArena, Verizon has been preparing for the games scheduled to run from June 11 through July 19. The report says that amount of data from one stadium during one match would be equal to streaming HD video for more than three years.
To help handle that kind of demand, Verizon has reportedly added more 5G spectrum at host stadiums, with the goal of boosting capacity by three to five times. The company has also installed thousands of antennas under seats, along with larger ball-shaped antennas aimed at improving 4G and 5G coverage for fans sitting in higher sections.
The report also says Verizon is using nearly 140 extra small cells and temporary cell sites around stadiums to strengthen both coverage and capacity. In simple terms, the company is trying to make sure the network does not get overwhelmed when tens of thousands of people all try to use their phones at the same time.
Verizon’s preparations go beyond what fans will notice on their screens. According to the report, the added network capacity will also support high-speed fiber and wave services used for broadcast operations, helping deliver HD video to the International Broadcast Center. The company is also setting up private 5G networks inside stadiums to support features such as referee body cameras that can provide a live view from the official’s perspective.
If Verizon’s estimate is anywhere close, this summer’s matches could become a major test of how well modern stadium networks hold up under pressure. For fans, the goal is simple: being able to upload, stream, and stay connected without the network slowing to a crawl.
Source: PhoneArena
