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5G 🤝 Sports

5 minute read · Issue Number 97 · December 3rd, 2021

Ronen Ainbinder

Dec 3, 2021

Welcome to another weekly edition of Sports-Tech Biz! Every Friday, we learn about intriguing topics related to sports, business, and technology. If you’re reading this online or in a forwarded email, sign up for the newsletter:

Good morning beautiful people.

One of the most exciting technological trends of the last decade has been the introduction of 5G.

In sports, this technology has already created some hype around the transformation and evolution of the industry.

However, not many can explain in simple terms what 5G is and how it aims to transform the industry truly.

Luckily, you’re a subscriber to this newsletter – and by the end of today’s article, you’ll be able to explain it better than anyone!

Shall we?

What is 5G?

5G is simply an update (the fifth generation, to be precise) to the mobile network.

Think of it as updating your iPhone to the newest iOS – a more recent version aims to make things better and faster. 5G is that, but for the whole network of connected devices.

Why it matters?

5G promises to provide…

Higher performance & efficiency
Enhanced user experiences
Connectivity for new industries

… through:

Faster download speeds
Low latency (lower delays)
Higher network capacity and reliability
Better availability
Connectivity for billions of devices

5G in Sports

Most (if not all) digitally-enabled solutions in sports can (and will) benefit from the update to this fifth generation.

From training, performance enhancement, and wearables to fan engagement, betting, media, and streaming — 5G opens billions of possibilities to new experiences, forms of entertainment, and uses in sports.

It’s hard to grasp the magnitude of the effect it will have in sports – but maybe some examples will help:

Fans will be able to watch instant replays and 360-degree streams.
AR and VR technology will instantly create high-quality mixed realities to connect fans at home with live-action.
Stadiums and facilities will have interconnected services to provide better experiences to the users.
Referees, coaches, and athletes will access immediate feedback and immediate AI-generated insights to improve their in-game decision-making processes.
Fans will be able to place a hundred types of different bets on things happening in real-time.
Streaming a game? No more low latency or slow videos loading!

The Bottom Line

You can now begin to understand why 5G is as big as it sounds – it will help us do most of what we do or wish we could be doing better.

Sports is no exception – it will benefit in every aspect, and it will probably happen faster than you expect.

And because it seems like a new version needs a new name – how should we call the next generation of sports powered by 5G?

🔗Links

Intel 5G Technology at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – This technology will play a transformative role from sports to transportation.
5G in football – Deloitte explains why 5G matters to football teams.
NFL names Verizon 5G partner in a 10-year deal, promising enhanced fan experiences at stadiums – “Verizon will help us capitalize on the promise of 5G technology, paving the way for the future of the game”