Trafford Centre embraces 4G
By Retail Technology | Friday September 6 2013
Manchester shopping destination becomes one of first to adopt superfast 4G mobile technology in partnership with EE
Manchester's intu Trafford Centre has today launched fourth generation (4G) mobile services from provider EE in partnership with UK telecoms infrastructure firm, Wireless Infrastructure Group (WIG).
The service launch is designed to enable the 31 million annual visitors to the Manchester centre to make the most of their 4G compatible mobile devices while shopping, with centre-wide access to EE's superfast mobile internet.
The property, which is owned and run by Intu Properties, is the first shopping centre in the UK to have its own 4G infrastructure.
Trevor Pereira, commercial director at intu, stated: “The launch of 4G at intu Trafford Centre is part of our wider digital strategy that will guarantee our customers are provided with the best possible shopping and leisure environment."
Improved mobile accessibility
As well as providing high speed 4G network access to customers, the WIG-built system will ensure the best possible call and text experience throughout the centre. The network has been designed so that other operators can also provide services using the new infrastructure.
Pereira added: "By providing 4G, we are making intu Trafford Centre the most digitally connected shopping and leisure destination in the UK. This enhances our customer service, enabling great mobile coverage throughout the centre.”
WIG was also responsible for a similar network at MediaCity UK in Salford, is working with EE to deploy new networks in numerous sites over the next 18 months.
Fotis Karonis, EE chief technology officer, added: “We’re focused on bringing 4G to the whole country, and that goes beyond where people live and work to include spaces like the intu Trafford Centre in Manchester that are about leisure and retail.”
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