The 2022 UCI Track Cycling World Championships, held in France earlier this month, became an immersive fan experience thanks to a private 5G standalone wireless network using equipment from Nokia. The private wireless network was designed to augment the spectator and media experience during the event at the National Velodrome. It used mmWave and mid-band spectrum to fill a range of communications needs and use cases in the connected stadium.
“We see how the technology can elevate the experience for the thousands of bandwidth-hungry spectators at race events like this one,” Michel Callot, President of the French Cycling Federation, said.
During the five-day event, an enhanced viewing and entertainment experience was offered to fans, athletes, organizers and broadcasters, in cooperation with UCI and Eurovision Sport for TV production. The private wireless network also supported video and data sharing to improve situational awareness for security and safety teams.
Fans could tailor their view of the action through multiple 360-degree robotic cameras operated remotely in real-time, and race statistics were available in augmented reality. Additionally, fans could experience the atmosphere in the stadium by listening to the sounds of the track or to the audio commentary in the language of their choice.
Living Lab Looks at Future of 5G
France’s National Velodrome is part of Nokia’s 5G Innov Lab platform to test and integrate future 5G use cases. It will work with industry partners to develop Industry 4.0 use cases for future sporting events.
“The work we are doing with industry partners in the 5G stadium lab allows us to develop and test in-demand use cases for services such as security, leveraging AI and machine learning capabilities to enable, for example, automated monitoring of multiple video and sensor data feeds and alerts,” the OEM said. “Private wireless puts the network owner in control, allowing them to support the distinct needs of a variety of stakeholders and services.”
The objective of the lab is to coordinate experiments in the 26 GHz band to cover sectors such as the connected port with the Port of Le Havre; the connected stadium with the National Vélodrome; the connected city with Paris La Défense; and the connected museum with the Cité des Sciences.
“These experiments will make it possible to validate the technological relevance of 26 GHz, the emergence of new use cases and services, and new business models integrating new players,” Nokia said.
The smart stadium market is estimated to hit $24.3 Billion with a CAGR of 23 percent during 2021-2030, according to a report by Market Research Future.
“Today’s stadiums, arenas and venues can be more than just a space or stage. The innovations on display at the National Velodrome are just a sampling of the unique experiences that are made possible with the support of a powerful, robust network backbone and ubiquitous 5G private wireless connectivity,” Stephane Haulbert, Head of Partners, Europe at Nokia, wrote in a blog.
By J. Sharpe Smith, Inside Towers Technology Editor
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