Optus is planning to install ‘advanced 5G technology’ on a roof top at GMHBA Stadium

Mobile phone connectivity and wi-fi issues at Kardinia Park could be a thing of the past following plans to install new technology on the roof of a grandstand.

Jeremy Cameron poses for a photo with a Cats fan. Picture: Brad Fleet

Optus is planning to install 5G technology on a rooftop at GMHBA Stadium following ongoing issues with mobile connectivity on game days.

It comes after Geelong’s chief strategy and growth officer Marcus King told Cats members on Wednesday night it would take investment from both Telstra and Optus to fix the problem but was confident a permanent solution could be found by 12 months’ time.

An Optus spokesperson said it was working on the issue.

“We are working on plans to upgrade connectivity for GMHBA Stadium, which includes installing advanced 5G technology on the stadium rooftop to enhance mobile network capacity and performance, particularly during peak traffic periods,” the spokesperson said.

More than 30,000 fans attended the Matildas game in Geelong earlier this month. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images.

“When implemented this solution would also improve connectivity in nearby residential areas.

“We are working closely with the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and other stakeholders on these plans.

“We appreciate the patience of the community as we work through these plans.”

Meanwhile, Telstra regional general manager Steve Tinker said it was discussing options with ground managers Kardinia Park Stadium Trust to improve coverage on the ground.

“Our 4G coverage is available in the area, but the signal does have trouble getting into the stadium itself,” Tinker said.

Cats confident mobile phone connectivity can be fixed

Geelong Football Club is confident issues with wi-fi and mobile connectivity at GMHBA Stadium will be fixed in 12 months’ time.

Scores of supporters at the Cats’ annual general meeting on Wednesday night broke into laughter when the club’s chief strategy and growth officer Marcus King was asked what the club was doing to improve internet coverage at Kardinia Park on game days.

“I was wondering if that question came from Steve Hocking, because his inbox gets smashed with this question,” King told Cats members.

“It’s a frustration for all of us.

“And those who live around the stadium know that on a match day the issue is not just limited to people at the ground, it’s all around Newtown.

Max Holmes with fans at GMHBA Stadium. Picture: Brad Fleet

“The challenge we have in a growing region, the infrastructure just hasn’t kept pace.

“It requires investment ultimately from Telstra in particular and also Optus.

“This is not something the club directly controls, we rely not just on those network providers but also the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust who own the venue and operate the venue on behalf of the state government.

“It’s fair to say we’ve advocated strongly for a number of years with the trust and they completely agree, they want improvement in mobile connectivity as well.”

He said the trust had been working with the two major providers on the situation.

“We will get there,” he said.

“Our sense is we will definitely be there in a year from now. And what we’re working on is interim improvements throughout next year.”

Originally published as Optus is planning to install ‘advanced 5G technology’ on a roof top at GMHBA Stadium