Boldyn Networks and Virgin Media O2 have delivered a 5G boost to Sunderland AFC's Stadium of Light.

As part of the upgrades, Boldyn has installed neutral host equipment as part of a local connectivity project, which Virgin Media O2 has become the first to utilize.

It's part of the Sunderland Open Network EcosysTem (SONET) project, which is partially government-funded by the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

The purpose of the upgrade is to provide a connectivity boost to the stadium, which hosts around 49,000 spectators.

Boldyn states that its Connectivity-as-a-Service (CaaS) opens up the potential for Open RAN technology, while it also uses an evolved distributed antenna system (DAS).

According to Boldyn, the fully virtualized O-RAN-based platform reduces space and power requirements by up to 60 percent compared to traditional indoor architectures. Because of this, Boldyn said its network management system is able to cut operational costs "through the digitization and automation of the service assurance processes."

The upgrades at the stadium are timely, as Sunderland AFC, the football club that plays at the stadium, has returned to the Premier League for the first time since 2017. The ground will also host the opening game of the Women's Rugby World Cup.

"This project underscores our commitment to delivering innovative connectivity solutions that enhance the digital experience for users in high-density environments, without sacrificing cost or energy efficiency,” said Brendan O’Reilly, CEO of UK & Ireland at Boldyn Networks.

Earlier this year, Virgin Media O2 announced plans to invest £700 million ($944m) into its mobile network in 2025, as part of an effort to improve its reliability, speed, and coverage across the UK.

"Our Mobile Transformation Plan is focused on improving the connectivity experience for our customers, no matter where they are, and this work with Boldyn Networks is ensuring match-going fans can experience a seamless connectivity experience," said Dr Rob Joyce, director of mobile access engineering at Virgin Media O2.

Boldyn provides a range of connectivity solutions to transportation, venues, and enterprises.

Some of its offerings include 5G small cells, distributed antenna systems (DAS), and private networks.

One of the company's biggest projects is supporting Transport for London's (TfL) network infrastructure rollout across the London Underground. Once fully delivered, more than 2,000 kilometers of cabling, plus thousands of radios, are expected to be installed within tunnels and stations, all of which will be fitted outside of operational hours.

Boldyn, formerly BAI Comms until the company rebranded its northern hemisphere operations two years ago, has connected more than 300 public venues globally, whilst simultaneously deploying its connectivity to 75 US military bases, with rights to deploy at an additional 40.