Vodafone has opened a special innovation space at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena to give businesses in the Midlands access to digital expertise and the chance to experience the latest technologies.
The Vodafone Business Lounge will provide an opportunity for businesses to collaborate and innovate and to experience technologies such as 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT) and high-speed fibre.
The latest opening is part of Vodafone’s commitment to creating technology centres across the UK, as well as its multi-billion network investment in 5G.
At a special launch event guests were able to try some of the demos on permanent display at the new Vodafone Business Lounge.
They include a ‘Day in the life of 5G’ showcasing the impact 5G will have on the sports, retail and automotive industries, a 5G ‘drop goal’ VR experience and a haptic suit that simulates the feeling of a rugby tackle.
Coventry City Council CEO Martin Reeves spoke about the impact of 5G on Coventry businesses and residents, whilst Igor Leprince (chair of WM5G) discussed the potential of 5G on the West Midlands as a whole.
Former England rugby star James Haskell, Stephen Vaughan (CEO of Wasps Sport) and Scott Petty (CTO at Vodafone) debated the impact technology, and specifically 5G, will have on the sports industry.
Experiencing 'game-changing potential of 5G'
Anne Sheehan, director, Vodafone Business UK, said: “Our customers can already access the Vodafone 5G network in 15 towns and cities across the UK – including Birmingham and Wolverhampton – and at key business hot-spots across the West Midlands like Birmingham Airport and the NEC.
“The Vodafone Business Lounge will enable West Midlands businesses to experience the game-changing potential of 5G and foster innovation and partnerships. With 5G, we can help turn their vision into reality.”
Councillor Richard Brown, a digital champion at Coventry City Council, said: “Technological advances are bringing so many benefits for businesses and consumers and we’re delighted Vodafone continues to invest in Coventry to enable the city to be at the forefront of these exciting times.
“We want this region to be a technology hub and we hope such investment will have a significant impact on the local economy and attract businesses and jobs to the area.”
Stephen Vaughan, chief executive (Sports) at Wasps Group, said: “Unveiling the Vodafone Business Lounge at the Ricoh Arena reinforces the exciting digital journey that we are on with Vodafone.
“Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of visitor experience at the arena with 5G game-changing technology.”
