Fans engaged with the ‘Connection Cam’ during the Guinness Women’s Six Nations Wales vs. Scotland fixture on 11 April 2026.
As Official Connectivity Partner of Principality Stadium, Vodafone once again demonstrated the power of its 5G Standalone (5G SA) network by dedicating a ‘slice’ of connectivity to give fans the opportunity to see their content projected live on the big screen via the ‘Connection Cam’. This took place during the Guinness Women’s Six Nations Wales vs. Scotland fixture on 11 April 2026.
The ‘Connection Cam’, developed by CUE in partnership with the WRU and Vodafone, placed supporters right at the heart of the action, allowing fans to capture live video on their own smartphones before seeing it projected instantly onto the stadium’s big screen – showcasing what 5G SA can deliver even in a busy stadium environment.
What is network slicing?
Whereas much of the 5G connectivity we enjoy today is known as 5G Non-standalone, 5G Standalone introduces entirely new capabilities and experiences, such as network slicing.
Network slicing lets Vodafone create different virtual networks on the public mobile network. Known as slices, each one is dedicated to a particular service, ensuring its performance is not impacted by other users’ demands on the network.
By reserving a dedicated portion, or ‘slice’, of the network in areas such as the hospitality section of Principality Stadium, Vodafone can ensure fast and reliable network performance even when demand on the wider network is extremely high. In doing, 5G SA can help overcome connectivity challenges that are typical of these high-traffic, high-density live events.
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How else can network slicing be used at live events?
While this activation at the Principality Stadium is the latest example of how Vodafone is using innovative technology to enhance live events – offering supporters new ways to connect with the action – it’s not the only way network slicing can help at large-scale events.
Crucially, the performance capabilities of each slice can be customised to the use cases that it connects. With low latency and high bandwidth, the opportunities that network slicing presents in stadia are effectively endless.
From security and emergency services that rely on secure and uninterrupted connectivity to speeding up payments for onsite food and drink vendors, network slicing lets fans spend more time enjoying the entertainment while helping businesses to thrive.
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Andrea Donà, Chief Network Officer, VodafoneThree, said: “Live events put increased pressure on mobile networks, and fans rightly expect fast, reliable connectivity wherever they are.
“By using 5G Standalone network slicing at Principality Stadium, we dedicated capacity specifically to fan engagement, delivering customers a seamless, interactive experience even in a busy stadium environment.
“This is another example of how 5G Standalone is letting us go beyond connectivity by unlocking entirely new experiences for customers, venues and event organisers.”
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This activation builds on Vodafone’s continued commitment to bring fans closer to the things they love most through the power of its reliable, ultra-fast network. By activating advanced network technology at major sports events, fans can stay connected when it matters most.
The activity forms part of VodafoneThree’s £11 billion investment to build the UK’s best network, reaching 99% 5G Standalone population coverage by 2030, and 99.96% by 2034. This will transform connectivity across the nation, powering the UK’s digital future by creating a platform for innovation and next-generation technology.
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