Ericsson and Vodafone Ireland announced they have partnered to install a 5G Standalone Mobile Private Network solution for the Irish rugby team to supply fast and reliable in-play data analysis ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in September.
Previously the team relied on standard WiFi across stadiums and training facilities both at home and away. Now giving instant feedback on team plays and tactics, the 5G Standalone MPN solution and artificial intelligence technology ensures faster download and upload speeds and lower latency, which can be utilized for real-time performance analysis and decisions on the pitch…or “the field” for you Yanks.
Up to eight high-resolution video streams are captured by multiple cameras and a 5G connected drone and then analyzed in real-time to collate data on team performance. The technology helps to improve the communication between management, coaches and players and maximizes the time on pitch where the smallest tweak to a running line or defensive position, can have a significant impact on the weekend’s game.
This collaboration among Vodafone, Ericsson, according to the release, and the rugby league has allowed coaches and players to feel the benefit of instant feedback to enhance the ability to make decisions quickly. The new solution has been tested at the Irish team’s High Performance Centre and will be brought to France in a bespoke 5G connected van for the World Cup in September.
Vodafone Ireland Network Director, Sheila Kavanagh says: “At Vodafone, we are so proud of our support for the Irish Rugby team, so we’re delighted to bring further value through the delivery of this cutting-edge technology solution. Performance analysis has experienced massive changes in the past couple of decades. What started with pen and paper-based methods for collecting notational data has evolved to using cutting-edge computer-based technologies and artificial intelligence to collect ever increasing amounts of real-time information. Distilling and delivering this data back to the team at top speed requires a reliable, secure and scalable connectivity solution.”
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