Vernetzung spielt eine wichtige Rolle: Lehren aus der Weltmeisterschaft 2026, die Spanien für 2030 berücksichtigen sollte - eine Studie von GSMA Intelligence

The FIFA World Cup 2026 turned stadiums, airports, venues, and fan zones across the US, Canada, and Mexico into significant testing grounds for telecommunications networks. The new study from GSMA Intelligence, 'World Cup 2026: Are Network Operators the Key Players?', examines the role of telcos and the lessons that can be learned for future tournaments. According to GSMA Intelligence, connectivity is now an integral part of both the fan experience and event operations, from accessing content and navigating host cities to broadcasting, security, and officiating. The report highlights how operators strengthened networks in stadiums, airports, and host cities through additional 5G and Wi-Fi infrastructure and capacity enhancements. It also points to the role of 5G Standalone, private networks, edge computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in supporting critical services during major sporting events. From the connected stadium to the comprehensive fan experience The report mentions that opportunities for operators extended beyond the following: Travel eSIMs: According to GSMA Intelligence's '2025 Global Consumer Survey', 12% of consumers who travelled internationally in the past 12 months used an eSIM abroad. Of these, over 70% used a travel eSIM. Experience-based tariffs: 45% of mobile contract customers are interested in performance-based tariffs. Network-based services: The report highlights T-Mobile US's Live Translation service as an example of a network-based service that delivers real-time translations without the need for an app or specific device hardware. Figures released separately by US network operators provide insights into the demand for internet connectivity during the World Cup. Verizon reported data volumes of nearly 500 TB across stadiums, including 29.2 TB during the final match, with upload traffic increasing by almost 70% at halftime. AT&T handled almost a petabyte across US host cities, ensuring network reliability of over 99%. A benchmark for Spanish stadiums and cities The GSMA Intelligence Report highlights the challenges facing future host venues. 'The key takeaway from the 2026 World Cup is that future hosts should not view network connectivity solely as a capacity issue. The real value lies in designing an infrastructure that guarantees critical services, supports fans throughout their entire journey, and continues to benefit cities long after the tournament has concluded, while also identifying opportunities to offer valuable services beyond pure connectivity. For Spain, 2030 presents an opportunity to turn network investments into a lasting asset for further major events and for the digital economy,' said Peter Jarich, Head of GSMA Intelligence. Read the full press release and report.