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5G Oulu connects to the Winter Olympics

Julkaistu 16.02.2018

The next generation wireless data transmission system, 5G, is about to be introduced. The University of Oulu research unit Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC) is represented in the 5G Olympics team that will launch the first intercontinental public 5G network connection in the world. The Olympic Games in South Korea and Oulu in Finland will be linked via a 5G connection on Feb 20–22.

Photo: Henri Luoma

The 5G trial will create a 5G connection between South Korea and Finland. The locations are more specifically the Korean Information Communication Technology (K-ICT) centre in Gangneung and the main library and Kastelli community centre in Oulu, but with the help of virtual reality headsets people can travel to the other side of the world, about 14,000 kilometres.

“The people in Oulu can enjoy the atmosphere of the Olympic Games via live streaming while the Koreans will get a chance to take a look at Northern Finland,” says 5GChampion Project Manager Giuseppe Destino from CWC.

An augmented reality application is also on display in which a hologram of the Olympic Park is combined with real time information and videos from the Olympics. Interactivity is represented by a self-adjustable view of the northern lights at Kastelli community centre.

“With the help of virtual and augmented reality applications we try to present 5G in layman's terms,” Destino says.

The trial at the Olympics is very exciting; it is unique, and without precedents. The demonstration is developed in broad collaboration with partners including Nokia Bell Labs and University of Oulu Joint Centre for Future Connectivity; EU funded 5GChampion project in co-operation with the European and South-Korean consortium; Oulu ICT-ecosystem including BusinessOulu, and companies operating in Oulu.

Grab this QR code with your mobile for a virtual experience!

PIN: 3240

The code is usable 20–22 February and a couple of weeks after the event.

 

Further information:

Professor Ari Pouttu, the University of Oulu research unit Centre for Wireless Communications, email: ari.pouttu@oulu.fi, tel. +358 294482827
Dr. Giuseppe Destino, Project Manager H2020 5GCHAMPION, email: giuseppe.destino@oulu.fi, tel: +358 50 421 0094

Academy Professor Matti Latva-aho, the University of Oulu research unit Centre for Wireless Communications, email: matti.latva-aho@oulu.fi, tel: +358 40 5889655

Links:

Read more about H2020 5GCHAMPION project

Centre for Wireless Communications at the University of Oulu

Welcome to public 5G Test Network

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