LIVE FROM MWL UNWRAPPED: Marc Overton, MD of BT Groupās Division X,claimed implementing a private 5G network for media and broadcast is the most demanding use case for the technology, but one which paves the way for deployment across numerous other sectors if handled correctly.
Speaking alongside BBC R&D technology transfer manager Ian Wagdin on day three of the event, Overton noted the companiesā work employing private 5G during the Commonwealth Games held earlier this year.
Overton said he saw media and broadcast as the ātip of the spearā, when it came to private 5G, and BT was leading its push around the technology āwith probably the most demanding use case at pace and scaleā.
āIf we can get it right in media and broadcast, we can deploy into manufacturing, health, ports, logistics and transports.ā
āThese areas are in many ways less demanding for the sort of network typography weāre having to contend with, with media and broadcast.ā
Highlighting the speed, flexibility and access of private 5G, Overton described its deployment for BBC at the Commonwealth Games as a āpop-upā and a type of network-as-a-service.
He added BTās Division X had been set up as a āMarvel comic-esqueā unit, allowing the company to think and operate differently.
Itās about really deploying these networks in order to enable digital and business transformation.ā
Easing network pressure
Wagdin said the main use case for the broadcaster is to ensure availability of high-quality cameras during event, and while he noted this is possible using existing networks, āweāre always fighting against the public use of those networks as wellā.
He said often when large crowds turn up and want to use the same public networks to upload social media, for example, it leads to congestion and increases the risk of losing picture and reducing quality.
āBy deploying a private network, weāre able to maintain the quality of our broadcast technology without impacting on the main sort of carrier networks that are there.ā
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