NEP Connect & Neos Networks Power the Future of Premier League broadcast with Cutting-Edge Connectivity
As the English Premier League prepares for the 2025-26 season,the demand for immersive,high-quality live broadcasts is reaching unprecedented levels. To meet this challenge, broadcast infrastructure leader NEP Connect has extended its seven-year partnership with Neos Networks, leveraging their robust fibre network to deliver a superior viewing experience for football fans worldwide.
For decades, NEP Connect (formerly SIS Live) has been a cornerstone of sports broadcasting, providing critical connectivity solutions to major events globally. From supporting broadcasting giants like the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, and Sky Sports, to powering experiential events for brands like Red Bull, Audi, and McDonald’s, NEP Connect’s expertise lies in seamlessly delivering content to diverse audiences. Their established Anylive fibre and satellite infrastructure forms the backbone of countless live broadcasts, but the evolving landscape of sports viewing demands continuous innovation.
The Rise of Remote Production & the Need for Bandwidth
The broadcast industry is undergoing a notable conversion, driven by the increasing adoption of remote production. this shift, while offering cost efficiencies and greater adaptability, dramatically raises the bar for live delivery. today, full-HD 1080p is the minimum expectation for major sporting events.Fans now demand flawless picture quality, delivered in real-time, regardless of whether they’re watching on a large-screen TV or a mobile device.
But it’s not just about resolution. Modern broadcasts are far more dynamic and visually rich. The integration of multiple camera angles – including breathtaking aerial drone footage, immersive 360-degree views, and intimate on-field close-ups – has become standard, creating a truly captivating experience for viewers. This explosion of visual data requires a corresponding leap in bandwidth and, crucially, ultra-low latency connectivity.Any delay, however slight, can disrupt the viewing experience and diminish the excitement of live sports.
Neos Networks: Engineered for the Demands of Modern Broadcast
Neos Networks understands these evolving demands. They specialize in building and maintaining the high-capacity, low-latency fibre infrastructure necessary to support the complex requirements of modern broadcast. their network isn’t simply about moving data; it’s about reliably and synchronously routing multiple high-bandwidth video feeds, ensuring perfect synchronization and eliminating the risk of glitches or interruptions.
“Live broadcast delivery demands absolute performance – from resilience and latency to geographic reach - and our relationship with NEP has always been built around meeting those challenges head-on,” explains Lee Myall, CEO at Neos Networks. “This latest project builds on a strong foundation of trust and shared understanding, and we’re pleased to continue supporting NEP with reliable, high-quality connectivity as they deliver some of the UK’s most-watched sporting content.”
A Strategic Advantage: Existing Infrastructure & Geographically Diverse Connectivity
A key factor in NEP Connect’s decision to extend its partnership with Neos Networks is the latter’s existing fibre backhaul infrastructure already in place at all 20 Premier League stadiums. This pre-existing network provides a significant advantage, enabling rapid mobilisation and deployment ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Furthermore, Neos Networks’ commitment to geographically diverse circuits ensures maximum uptime and resilience. This redundancy is critical for live sports broadcasts, where even a momentary interruption can be devastating. The network is designed to automatically reroute traffic in the event of a fibre cut or other unforeseen issue, guaranteeing uninterrupted coverage across multiple platforms.
Reducing On-Site Footprint with Remote Production Hubs
The partnership between NEP Connect and Neos Networks is also driving the adoption of remote production workflows. By leveraging the high-capacity fibre connectivity provided by Neos, NEP Connect can transport high-definition broadcast feeds to its state-of-the-art remote production hubs, such as the facility at MediaCityUK.This shift to remote production substantially reduces the need for large on-site production trucks and personnel, streamlining operations and lowering costs without compromising broadcast quality. It also allows NEP Connect to focus its resources on delivering innovative and engaging content, rather than managing complex logistical challenges.
“We’re very proud to continue to provide connectivity solutions to premier League venues via the unrivalled NEP Connect Anylive network, and our partnership with Neos Networks is a key component of this delivery,” says Vince russell, NEP Connect Managing Director. “Our work together is focused on supporting our customers with connectivity that is reliable, scalable to their needs and backed by industry-leading expertise so they can be successful in delivering for their audiences.”
**Looking Ahead:
