Manchester Airport has become the first UK airport to offer 5G network access as part of a trial by Vodafone. Vodafone has installed a dedicated 5G-enabled ‘blast pod’ at Manchester’s Terminal One that allows travellers to test the new super-fast network for downloading films or TV boxsets on their mobile devices up to four times faster than 4G.
During the trial passengers can visit Vodafone’s special 5G ‘blast pod’ and are given a free Entertainment Pass on streaming service Now TV. Travellers can download an episode of the new series of Tin Star in 45 seconds and the whole series in six minutes and seven seconds – up to four times faster than 4G, which took 26 minutes and eight seconds.
Manchester Airport Chief Operating Officer Brad Miller said: “We are delighted to support Vodafone’s 5G trial at Manchester Airport. As we progress with the design and delivery of our £1 billion transformation programme, we are constantly exploring how new innovations and technology can be applied to improve the airport experience.
“As a business with a strong presence in our surrounding community, Vodafone was a natural partner for a trial project like this and we look forward to collaborating with them again in the future.”
Vodafone UK CEO Nick Jeffery said: “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.”
