Ericsson and Sprint demo Ultra HD video over 5G

Ericsson and US mobile operator Sprint are partnering to trial streaming ultra-high definition video over a live 5G wireless signal using 400 MHz of spectrum.

The demo is open for public participation at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field football stadium and will include a live 4K Ultra HD camera stream from the Sprint Fan Zone.

Ericsson said that soccer fans will get a glimpse of how the game-day experience will change when 5G technology is introduced to stadiums, with UHD video of visitors kicking a ‘connected’ soccer ball live streamed using a 5G feed.

Ericssson said that in the future, both the game ball and players could be connected so that fans are able to see real-time information and analytics about the speed, rotation and height of the ball, with new stats and graphical analytics appearing on TV.

“5G will make possible a wider range of services than any network has done before, and sporting events are a great way to show this off,” said Glenn Laxdal, Head of Technology and Strategy, Ericsson North America.

“We are happy to help Sprint inspire fans with this peek into the 5G future, especially given our history together of bringing technology upgrades that improve the consumer experience.”

Sprint announced in May that it will trial 4K streamed coverage of the Copa America football tournament this summer using 5G technology.

On the company’s fiscal fourth quarter earnings call, president and CEO Marcelo Claure said that Sprint would deliver 4K soccer coverage at two Copa America stadiums in June, in partnership with Nokia and Ericsson.