A new stand-alone private 5G network for sports broadcasting using shared spectrum has demonstrated the potential to provide wide area connected cameras for live events.

In a world first, the technology uses a network 5G standalone design which could transform the way live sport is covered and provide a better experience for fans by enhancing coverage of events and bring more action to more people.

Led and engineered by the Scotland 5G Centre’s partners at the University of Strathclyde, the StrathSDR team partnered with BT Sport, Dorna and Vislink to bring live segments to a worldwide audience from a 5G handheld camera at the British Grand Prix.

The successful demonstration opens the potential to create more use cases for live sport. Using a private 5G network for regional football teams, for example, could change the fan experience and offer spectator angle camera interaction.

Commenting on the results, Paul Coffey, Chief Executive, Scotland 5G Centre, said: “This collaboration between academia and industry partners is one of the enablers to help drive the adoption of 5G. This use case demonstrates a network that was first trialled in a lab-based test bed and then taken into the field for demonstration and showcase.

“5G private networks have the potential to revolutionise how we cover live sports in the future. Remote production using 5G will be a more efficient method of producing live sports and events, and perhaps by adding some customer interaction this can improve the live experience at the venue.

“Another possibility, already trialled in the US, is the ability to get the view of the best seat in the house alongside your allocated seat.”

The technology also opens ideas and future opportunities for use by event organisers in remote and rural communities.

Coffey continued: “The most exciting part for Scotland and the Centre’s work is perhaps the remote and rural opportunity. Private and shared spectrum 5G has the potential to make the event coverage process accessible for smaller sports clubs, teams and rural hosted events like mountain-biking and bring spectators closer to the live-action, whether they are at the event, in the town or part of the diaspora watching from somewhere else in the world.”

Using the same tech trialled in the test bed in partnership with Scotland 5G, the team re-created a standalone 5G shared spectrum network at Silverstone.

This network covered the pit lane, paddock and starting grid, and technology partner Vislink supplied a 5G wireless camera and on-board motorcycle uplink to the 5G network.

Recommended

• Elon Musk could sell 10% of his Tesla stock following Twitter poll
• University of Glasgow to accelerate quantum computing
• Open banking to be adopted by 55% of UK credit providers this year

Malcolm Brew, the 5G projects team least at StrathSDR, University of Strathclyde, said: “We have been working on 5G private network design for remote media production alongside broadcast partners.

“At Silverstone, we operated on Ofcom’s shared spectrum band, which are radio frequencies set aside for public use, and were able to demonstrate this expertise and capability in a high pressure and real situation.

“5G can enhance the viewer experience, while the new camera angles can bring fans closer to the action. The availability of spectrum can also transform how all fans watch and interact with each live game and can bring control of 5G networks to local communities.

“We’re particularly excited about the transformational opportunities 5G offers to live action from international to grassroots sports in rural communities.”

Get the latest news from DIGIT direct to your inbox

Our newsletter covers the latest technology and IT news from Scotland and beyond, as well as in-depth features and exclusive interviews with leading figures and rising stars.

We will keep you up to date on the pivotal issues impacting the sector and let you know about key upcoming events to ensure that you don’t miss out on what’s going on across the Scottish tech community.

Click here to subscribe.