OPTUS BRINGS 5G TO THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES THROUGH WORLD FIRST ACHIEVEMENT

Optus has launched Optus 5G Live in Broadbeach, and in a world first, will simultaneously showcase 5G use cases and 8K video streaming on-the-go, on its live 5G trial indoor and outdoor network.ⁱ

The showcase offers a preview of the state-of-the-art technology and marks a significant milestone in Optus’ commitment to make leading 5G technological advancements.

Open for the duration of the Commonwealth Games, this is Optus’ first public showcase using a live Optus 5G network, to provide visitors with a hands-on experience of what’s possible with 5G technology.

Managing Director of Optus Networks Dennis Wong said, “What we have here today is a spectacular simultaneous demonstration of 5G capability, powered by a live 5G network, rather than through simulationsⁱⁱ.”

“For people to be able to walk off the street and interact with real 5G technology is an incredibly exciting development as we continue towards leading in the delivery of the first phase of 5G technology in 2019.”

“Educating consumers on the full range of benefits and potential that 5G may offer is an important step in working towards a digitally enabled world”

Optus will showcase multiple user applications connected through a 5G system, catering for various service and capacity requirements simultaneously.

Optus’ 5G showcase demonstrates key differences between 5G and other wireless technologies, specifically, high bandwidth and low latency. The virtual reality use cases showcase high bandwidth applications - which is the ability to manage significant data volumes, while our robotics demonstration highlights low latency, which is important as we move toward connected devices and IoT.

“From being able to see 16 Gbps speeds through a 5G test room, to using a robotic arm to operate a vending machine, these experiences allow people to truly see how 5G may be integrated into day-to-day life - not just numbers on a screen,” said Mr Wong.

The Optus 5G Technology Showcase will include:

• Rock Paper Scissors
  What you’ll experience
  This robot hand challenges you to a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Using superfast speeds and low latency, it’s the ultimate challenger. It’s also an example of how machine arm intelligence, coupled with high speeds, can be applied into the manufacturing industry to increase efficiency and productivity.
  
  
• Robotic Arm
  What you’ll experience
  Using 5G technology and motion detection to control a mechanical arm, you’ll be able to pull a rugby ball out of a vending machine. The robot arm mimics your movements in real time, highlighting how 5G will provide the high speeds and low-latency needed to viably assist surgeons when operating remotely.
  
  
• VR Football
  What you’ll experience
  Virtual Reality Headsets have the potential to change sports training. In this experience, strap on a Virtual Reality Headset to catch a football, while being fully immersed in a 360-degree video. For athletes, this can be used for remote training, allowing coaches to have a full view of your training and technique.
  
  
• VR Cycling
  What you’ll experience
  Using the super-fast speeds of 5G, take a ride on the specially designed bike in a stadium ride off. You’ll be immersed in virtual worlds that are streamed in HD – allowing you to move freely in any direction you choose.
  
  
• VR Driving
  What you’ll experience
  Strap on a Virtual Reality Headset and take a drive around the Gold Coast. This experience showcases how 5G will in the future allow for Virtual Driving – an experience where the driver can control a vehicle from a remote location. In difficult or dangerous environments, this could reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
  
  
• 360 degree dome
  What you’ll experience
  Walk inside the Optus 360 degree dome and experience events from the Games, like you’ve never seen. Immersive, eye opening content from the bottom of Optus Aquatic Centre gives you the best seat in the house.

5G Mobility
In addition to what’s happening inside the Optus 5G Technology Showcase, Optus have successfully streamed 8K video over our outdoor 5G network while on-the-go.

This is achieved through an Optus 5G Van equipped with an 8K television, which carries a prototype 5G device with the live trial network in operation. This demonstration will allow users to see how video content can maintain ultra-high quality streaming levels on the move.

“Seamless 5G connectivity between sites is a fundamental building block in mass connectivity and ultra-reliable applications, which are unique to 5G,” said Mr Wong.

Optus 5G Live will be open daily during the Commonwealth Games at Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach.

Media enquiries:
Michelle Pacey/Steve Batten
Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 7850
media@optus.com.au

ⁱThis combination of multiple simultaneous applications on an indoor and outdoor C-band network makes it a world first achievement
ⁱⁱOptus is demonstrating the true strengths of 5G, by using it as a radio access medium serving multiple user service requirements, rather than for backhauling. With the trial network operating on C-band, which is the global pioneer band for 5G, in addition to mmWave bands