Case Study- Glasgow Airport
SOLiD & Glasgow Airport
SOLiD is proud to announce the implementation of multi-operational 5G mobile connectivity at Scotland’s largest airport, Glasgow.
SOLiD is proud to announce the implementation of multi-operational 5G mobile connectivity at Scotland’s largest airport, Glasgow. This is a major upgrade for all users of the airport which is located just nine miles west of the city center. This project has been completed in partnership with Exchange Communications and will mean faster and more reliable data for not only travellers and tourists but those working at the airport as well.
Glasgow airport was originally opened in 1966 and initially only served locations in the UK and Europe. Today, it operates flights to over 100 destinations worldwide and served over 7 million passengers in 2023 via 20+ major airlines.
Providing excellent mobile coverage in a modern airport environment is challenging due to the complex layout and unique demands of these facilities. Airports are large, multi-level structures with a mix of open spaces, dense materials like concrete and steel, and numerous enclosed areas, all of which can interfere with signal propagation.
Additionally, airports experience high user density, with thousands of passengers, staff, and devices competing for connectivity, especially during peak travel times. The presence of secure zones, underground areas, and vast outdoor spaces like runways further complicates the deployment of consistent coverage.
“At AGS we are embarking on a digital transformation journey centred around
the provision of a seamless customer experience. In the connected world, accessibility to super-fast reliable data networks is simply a customerexpectation. This initiative ensures our airports are ready to meet the connectivity needs of both our customers and operational teams today,and in the future.”- Gavin Revell, Chief Information Technology Officer at AGS Airports
SOLiD implemented the multi-operator project using the latest in-building technology for mobile coverage. Partnering with Exchange Communications, SOLiD were able to deliver a world class, distributed antenna system (DAS).
“ This project at Glasgow Airport exemplifies SOLiD’s commitment to delivering innovative connectivity solutions in complex environments. By partnering with Exchange Communications, we’ve been able to harness the power of 5G to enhance passenger experiences and enable businesses to operate more efficiently. We’re proud to have played a key role in setting a newstandard for airport connectivity and are excited to see the long-term benefits this technology will bring to Glasgow Airport.”
- Steven Gallagher, Managing Director - EMEA, SOLiD
Installing the latest digital Active 5G DAS at Glasgow Airport has transformed connectivity, delivering significant benefits for travellers and businesses alike. For passengers, it means lightning-fast downloads, perfect for parents grabbing a movie to keep kids entertained, and business travellers accessing critical documents or connecting to remote servers with ease thanks to ultra-low latency. 5G coverage is provided using gGenesis Low Power Active DAS with full n78 Bandwidth!
For airport businesses, 5G unlocks a world of innovation, enabling real-time inventory management and other technologies that streamline operations and enhance customer service. The technology also supports advanced airport services like contactless check-ins and digital passport controls, creating a seamless travel experience.
By implementing 5G, Glasgow Airport has set a new standard for efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction—an inspiring model for other organisations looking to deliver cutting-edge connectivity and improve operational excellence.
" From social media ‘check-ins’ to touching base with family, downloading boarding passes and planning their onward journey, we know connectivity is key, and with the 5G installation, it will be smarter and faster than ever before.Not only will this work enhance connectivity today, it will future-proof the site for the adoption of further smart building technologies in the years to come. Glasgow Airport will truly be an airport of the future.”
- Tom Sime, CEO at Exchange Communications
The network that is being deployed will provide seamless connectivity across all four major network providers as the UK’s first 5G neutral host network. The attention to detail built into the aesthetic design of the visible hardware components means it blends effortlessly with the innovative first direct arena without sacrificing functionality. As the neutral host solution allows for multiple mobile operators to share the same essential infrastructure, it minimises the equipment and power usage, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient means of delivering reliable mobile connectivity to customers.
The solution also facilitates next-generation capabilities such as real-time interaction between the arena visitors and sponsors, providing access to exclusive content and personalised offers.
With high-speed, high-capacity comes a range of other benefits including capability for mobile, contactless payments, the ability for visitors to live stream from the venue to share experiences with friends and family as well as customer rewards and other benefits. The technology will enable the venue to also explore new technologies that can enhance the provision of feed, beverage and security services.
SOLiD is incredibly proud to be part of this transformative project, bringing the power of 5G connectivity to Glasgow Airport. Collaborating with Exchange Communications has been a true partnership, combining expertise and innovation to deliver a seamless, state-of-the-art solution. Together, we are delighted to provide travellers and businesses with enhanced connectivity and cutting-edge services, setting a new benchmark for modern airport experiences.
