The Shanghai Marathon: A revolution in 5G-A technology and live broadcasting

The 2024 Shanghai Marathon took a step forward in developing how large-scale events can leverage cutting-edge technology to meet the growing demands of modern broadcasting. Events like marathons pose unique challenges, requiring seamless connectivity to manage multiple live perspectives and high-definition transmissions across expansive areas with varying environmental conditions. Ensuring reliable network performance in dense urban settings involves overcoming obstacles such as signal interference, network congestion, and uneven terrain.

These events demand not only robust technology but also innovative solutions tailored to the complexities of live broadcasting and participant engagement. This year, connectivity at the Shanghai Marathon was powered by China Mobile Shanghai’s 5G-A technology, also known as 5.5G, a groundbreaking evolution of traditional 5G technologies that provides a significant improvement in speed, stability, and versatility, helping broadcasters deliver an immersive experience to viewers and increasing connectivity options for participants and spectators.

5G-A represents a major evolution, offering enhanced speed, reliability, and functionality.  It addresses specific demands for ultra-high-definition live streaming, low latency, and network stability.

It introduces state-of-the-art technologies like synaesthesia, a groundbreaking feature enabling networks to integrate and process multiple types of sensory data, such as audio and visual inputs, to create richer, more interactive experiences. Another innovation is passive IoT, which allows connections to devices that operate with minimal energy consumption by leveraging ambient signals, drastically extending the possibilities for connected technologies