People travelling through Manchester Airport have been able to try out super-fast connectivity as part of a new trial of 5G.
Travellers visiting Vodafone’s special 5G ‘blast pod’ at Manchester’s Terminal One were given a free Entertainment Pass on streaming service Now TV. This allowed them to download films or TV boxsets up to four times quicker than over 4G.
As 5G handsets are not yet available for consumers, Vodafone completed the trial using its ‘Gigacube’ device – a portable router that is 5G enabled. Consumers connected to the network via the Gigacube and used their Now TV Entertainment Pass to download and stream content.
According to the mobile operator, 5G will provide a home Wi-Fi like experience on the go. It will enable holidaymakers and business travellers to load a web page or video instantly, and seamlessly stream a movie without buffering or lag.
Vodafone UK chief executive Nick Jeffery said: “We all love to catch up on our favourite TV shows, play games or finish off some work when travelling. 5G, with its fast speeds and quick response times, will make that quick and easy, even in busy locations.
“We are proud to be the first provider to bring 5G to an airport and will be adding more major travel hotspots to our 5G network throughout the year.”
Further trials over the coming weeks will include Snow Hill railway station in Birmingham.
To learn more about how 5G’s faster speeds, low latency and increased capacity will transform the transport sector, download our Next-generation connectivity report.
Tags: 5G, super-fast connectivity, vodafone, wi-fi, airport wi-fi
