MCG becomes a wireless hotspot
Australia's largest sporting arena, the MCG, is now one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world, with leading wireless technology group VenueComm having today completed the installation of its wireless internet system at the famous ground.
As a result, computer users around the MCG can access and send high-speed data through VenueComm's advanced and secure communications network, with media photographers in particular now able to send high-resolution digital images from the ground in a matter of seconds.
With the MCG currently undergoing a major reconstruction of its ground and facilities, the VenueComm contract ensures it has the very latest wireless technology available throughout the 100,000 seat arena.
The MCG has also saved significant costs that would have been spent on internet cabling.
"The MCG's decision to award this contract to VenueComm reflects the major successes we have achieved in wireless sporting technology in Australia and internationally," said VenueComm managing director, Jeff Holloway.
"For the media, the ability to send back images and text at very high speed direct to the editorial floor is a major advantage," Mr Holloway said.
"But the system also has much wider applications around the ground and any computer user that accesses our network, including for business purposes, will be able to enjoy the advantages of high-speed connectivity from the venue."
Stephen Gough, the CEO of the Melbourne Cricket Club, which manages the MCG, added: "We see the VenueComm network as enabling us to provide a higher level of service to our customers. Many of the corporate suite owners utilise their facilities during the week as well as on the weekend.
The VenueComm service will provide them equivalent connectivity at the MCG to what they currently experience in their offices."
Mr Holloway said photographers covering sporting events, such as the one-day cricket series currently underway, will be able to send back multiple pictures within seconds, from anywhere in the MCG. Journalists will also be able to get access to online statistics in the blink of an eye.
VenueComm will have wireless access points throughout the MCG linked to high-speed internet connections, providing upload and download speeds at broadband levels.
"We are looking forward to the cricket series at the MCG very much, so we can facilitate the needs of the media in covering the matches and enhance the enjoyment of the patrons in general" Mr Holloway said.
VenueComm recently signed a long-term contract with TAB Limited in NSW, enabling punters to use wireless handsets to make bets instead of having to queue at totes, and is looking at a wide range of applications for its technology including hospitality, statistics gathering and distribution, sports management and many others.
