Several TV channels and service providers will rely on Eutelsat Communications to air the live telecast of 2018 FIFA World Cup being held in Russia.

TV channels and service providers have booked capacity equivalent to 5,500 hours of High Definition (HD) transmissions ahead of the global event to be held from 14 June to 15 July, Eutelsat Communications said.

In addition to the regular broadcast capacity booked by Eutelsat’s customers, capacity on five Eutelsat satellites will uplink signals from 11 cities across Russia during the event.

Eutelsat said its communication satellites form part of the broadcast infrastructure to show football matches, pre- and post-match interviews, coverage of team training, and the daily life of soccer fans.

Fon said it will provide partners and customers access to WiFi in over 10,000 locations during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia thanks to an agreement with the operator ER Telecom.

The WiFi service covers 32 cities, including Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and eight more of the 11 cities which will host the event. Users will be connected automatically to available WiFi networks when they are close to an ER Telecom network access point.