Liverpool 5G’s Pioneering Open RAN Network Supports Connectivity at Labour Party Conference Fringe Event

Liverpool 5G’s pioneering open source private 5G network, built using Open RAN architecture as part of the previous Liverpool High Density Demand research and development project, successfully supported a number of events held during the Labour Party Conference, which took place at Liverpool’s events campus from 28 September to 1 October 2025.

During the conference, meetings and events at the M&S Bank Arena, operated by the ACC Liverpool Group, benefited from locally managed, open-source 5G technology, which provided secure, flexible, and high-quality connectivity for this live event. Working in collaboration, Liverpool 5G, Spry Fox Networks, ITS and the venue’s in-house IT team ensured the network delivered enhanced connectivity for delegates, while showcasing the potential of open RAN private 5G networks in real-world use, including eSIMs and fixed wireless access.

“We saw the network being used by a wide range of people and devices at the event with download speeds averaging 120Mbps. Connectivity was seamless and QR code eSIM provisioning worked well,” said Andrew Miles from Liverpool 5G. “This event underlines the value of community-owned and controlled infrastructure built with open-source components in responding to needs as they emerge.”

Stuart Waine, Director of Spry Fox Networks, commented: “This event proved the power of open, flexible 5G systems to adapt quickly to real-world needs. We gained valuable insights into performance optimisation and deployment scalability that will shape the next generation of private network solutions.”

Mike Goodwin, CTO at ITS, said: “This collaboration has shown the potent combination of LCR Connect – the Liverpool City Region’s future-proofed, business-grade full fibre network providing the backhaul – and 5G in action. Together they create a world-class digital infrastructure that makes the City Region a beacon of high-performance capability, delivering resilient, burstable connectivity to ensure the success of major events where seamless digital services are critical.”

This initiative builds on Liverpool’s growing reputation as a UK leader in digital innovation and connectivity R&D, and demonstrates how open, interoperable 5G systems can be cost-effectively deployed to meet the needs of events, enterprises, and communities alike.

Nicky Norman, Head of Production & IT at the ACC Liverpool Group commented  “It was great to work with the Liverpool 5G team and their partners to use this pioneering network in our arena. Having an extra, reliable way to keep delegates connected right on the arena floor made a real difference to the experience. We’re always looking for new ways to use technology to make events smoother, smarter and more engaging, and this network has opened up some exciting possibilities. We’ll be continuing to explore how 5G can help us deliver even better connectivity and experiences for everyone who comes through our doors.”

During the four-day conference, the private 5G network supported portable, battery-powered high-capacity Wi-Fi Hot-Spots on tripods to provide easily and rapidly deployed high-performance connectivity in open spaces. 5G’s high uplink capacity was a particular asset at this event where uploaded media represented the bulk of the user traffic. This event offered valuable insights into the performance and scalability of open source 5G technologies in live operational settings.