Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in Balmoral, Scotland triggered an intricate telecommunications plan, incorporating 5G and satellite broadband technology to broadcast her final rest. ComputerWeekly reported that “Operation Unicorn,” the codename for the plan handling the monarch’s death should it occur in Scotland, included creating a wireless solution for broadcasting the transportation of her majesty’s coffin from Edinburgh Airport to RAF Northolt near London.
Glasgow-based QTV deployed a private, wireless 5G network, connecting cameras for international broadcast at Edinburgh Airport. The event called for a high-definition solution to mitigate interference and guarantee the quality of service while omitting cables during the Queen’s transport.
ComputerWeekly reported that QTV worked with the University of Strathclyde and its affiliate, Neutral Wireless, to develop a proof-of-concept test earlier this year. The “pop-up” 5G SA network — thought to be the first used at an airport — was deployed within 24 hours of Ofcom granting the spectrum license in the 3.8-4.2 GHz band.
“This small but significant site was left without any traditional RF systems for positions that could not be cabled,” said QTV CTO Gareth Gordon. “The situation demanded new and innovative technological thinking to achieve the expectations of the production. The video link on the 5G network wasn’t there as a backup – it was a live feed to the world.”
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