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- Ultra-wideband 5G is faster and more reliable than other mobile networks
- Miami GP visitors will have access to a range of fan applications
This weekend’s inaugural Miami Grand Prix will be the first Formula One race in the US to be covered by Verizon Wireless’ ‘ultra-wideband’ 5G service, with the operator using the network to power applications and experiences to enhance the fan experience.
Ultra-wideband 5G uses high-band spectrum in the millimetre wave (mmWave) range to deliver ultrafast speeds of up to 1Gbps, greater capacity, and ultra-low latency over relatively short distances. This makes the technology ideal for dense, highly populated areas like sporting venues.
As many as 80,000 fans are expected to attend each day of the race, all of whom will be using their smartphones to keep up with events and access social media to share their experience of what is likely to be a very ‘Instagrammable’ event.
“Verizon is laser-focused on creating new 5G-powered innovations, unearthing what’s possible using the power of our network and working with partners to transform industries ranging from sports to retail,” said Srini Kalapala, senior vice president of Verizon technology and product development. “This is a great opportunity to reimagine the fan and shopping experience at sporting events. This is only the tip of the iceberg as to the experiences that 5G and edge compute can unlock.”
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One of the reasons the sports industry is so excited about 5G is its ability to narrow the gap between the experience enjoyed by fans at the venue and those at home. Verizon’s ‘5G Multi-View’ application will let fans at the track watch up to seven live camera feeds and listen to race commentary from their seat, ensuring that they can still access the broadcast coverage when the action is taking place away from their line of sight.
The 5G network will also showcase the future of retail, supporting checkout-less retail at the Hard Rock Stadium Express Shop so fans can avoid queues when purchasing food and drink. Customers tap their credit card as they enter the store, with computer vision-enabled cameras tracking items and edge computing platforms processing the data.
The Miami Grand Prix is intended to be a marquee event for Formula One as it continues to grow in popularity – especially in the US. Accordingly, there are plenty of activities surrounding the race, including concerts by Post Malone, Zedd, Tiesto, and The Chainsmokers.
Verizon will let users of the official race application ‘transport themselves’ into these performances using augmented reality (AR) and 360-degree camera angles so they can have a perfect view regardless of where they are located in the venue.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Verizon, a like-minded partner focused on innovation and redefining the fan journey,” said Kim Rometo, chief information officer for the Hard Rock Stadium and the Miami Grand Prix. “Our goal for the Formula One Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix is for each fan to leave the event reflecting on a first-class time and we are thrilled to collaborate with Verizon on delivering these unique and personalised experiences.”