AT&T is introducing a new service, “Turbo Live,” designed to dramatically improve cellular performance in crowded venues like stadiums and concert halls. The service will launch in ten US stadiums in early February, just in time for the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium, and is notable because it doesn’t require being an AT&T customer.
How Turbo Live Works
Turbo Live leverages AT&T’s existing 5G network to provide a temporary performance upgrade for users during major events. Instead of a subscription, it operates on a pay-per-event basis, starting at $5 but with prices varying based on the event’s scale. This model is designed to avoid long-term commitments and cater to short-term needs.
The service is delivered via a secondary eSIM. This allows Verizon and T-Mobile customers with unlocked phones to access the boost, simply by installing it through the “Connect on Demand” app. The key is an unlocked 5G phone and an open eSIM slot. AT&T clarified that this method avoids tying users to a specific carrier.
Initial Rollout Locations
The first ten stadiums to support Turbo Live are:
- Alabama (Bryant Denny Stadium)
- Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
- Chicago (United Center)
- Houston (NRG Stadium)
- Las Vegas (Sphere)
- Los Angeles (Intuit Dome)
- Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
- New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium)
- San Antonio (Alamodome)
- San Francisco Bay Area (Levi’s Stadium)
- Seattle (Lumen Field)
AT&T also plans to expand coverage to AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles soon.
Why This Matters
The demand for reliable cellular service at large events is growing. Stadiums and arenas are notorious “dead zones” due to network congestion. The rise of mobile ticketing, social sharing, and real-time event experiences means more people rely on their phones during these events.
This solution offers a way to bypass the limitations of shared networks by allowing users to temporarily buy priority access.
This model is similar to how T-Mobile offers its satellite service to customers of other carriers, proving the viability of secondary eSIM services. AT&T’s approach reflects a trend toward more flexible, on-demand connectivity options in high-demand locations.
The launch of Turbo Live is a practical response to a common frustration, and its availability to non-AT&T customers could set a new standard for mobile connectivity at live events.
