How Olympic host cities have used 5G infrastructure to improve internet speeds and connectivity for local residents

• Big sporting events like the Olympics require a lot of coordination.
• Infrastructure is used after the events themselves, leaving a legacy for the residents of the host cities.
• This article is part of the “5G Playbook,” a series that examines one of the most technological innovations of our time.

In Paris, athletes bring their best records. But the achievements of the 2024 Summer Games go beyond the physical considerations being broadcast around the world.

Behind the scenes, 5G devices are powering global broadcasts and the moments that spectators and athletes capture and post on social media.

High-speed fiber-optic networks, 5G cellular towers, and advanced WiFi systems have been installed in 120 locations across Paris to address the network needs of global advertisers. , millions of visitors, and complex operations of the Games.

Expanded and popular events like the Olympics require a powerful and high-speed network to broadcast the events to viewers around the world and support the digital needs of athletes, officials and spectators.

Rolf Werner, head of mobile networks in Europe at Nokia, said that with careful planning, these types of investments in 5G connectivity could last for years.

“By investing in 5G infrastructure, cities can create a solid digital foundation that serves local communities long after the event is over,” Werner told Business Insider. That includes boosting local businesses’ Internet connectivity, he said.

Sandeep Raithatha, head of 5G IoT strategy, innovation and products at Virgin Media O2, said that the private 5G network that was installed at the Olympic venues for use by broadcast services could also be used for live events.

“Once installed, this network can continue to be used for future events, ensuring a permanent return on investment,” Raithatha told BI.

That’s been the case for Olympic host cities like London and Tokyo, where 5G infrastructure continues to connect residents and visitors.

London 2012: Stratford Halo

Virgin Media O2 upgraded London’s communications infrastructure when the city hosted the Games in 2012.

“This included installing additional masts around the main airport to ensure that tourists can access the internet immediately and deploying small cells around the sites so that fans can connect to crowded places, whether it’s to post selfies, watch videos or share their location for security reasons,” Raithatha said.

Another important building was the Stratford Halo, which served as a TV broadcast tower for the Games. After the event, it became a hub for YouTubers and other content creators thanks to its gigabit-speed internet connection. It was considered revolutionary because the average internet speed in the UK at the time was slow.

Planning efforts allowed the Stratford Halo to be returned to a residential building two years after the closing ceremony.

Ahead of the Games, communications infrastructure was installed on the London Underground network and at the Westfield shopping center in Stratford. Citizens continue to rely on this technology for internet access.

Tokyo 2020: Tokyo Data Highway

Japan has a reputation for technological innovation. But its capital, Tokyo, which in 2021 hosted the delayed 2020 Summer Olympics, had a limited display of 5G equipment.

5G technology was not adopted at the consumer level until 2019, and the rollout of Japan’s 5G infrastructure was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, only 10 5G towers have been installed.

But 5G technology became widespread in 2021, two years after Tokyo launched its 5G-infrastructure project, the Tokyo Data Highway. Inspired by the Olympics, the city has added more 5G towers to its communication system, growing to 149 systems by 2021.

The goal is to have 5G available throughout the city by 2030, though it’s unclear how far along the project is.

Beijing 2022: Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed train

The 108-kilometer long Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed railway connected the 2022 Winter Olympics host city with the rest of China.

It linked Beijing to a competition area outside the Chinese capital where events such as skiing, snowboarding and freestyle skiing take place. Athletes were able to ride the driverless train between the two locations at speeds of up to 217 mph.

But the railway’s legacy extends beyond the hyperfast transport it continues to provide; it was also the first high-speed train with 5G coverage.

The railway also had 5G signal towers to ensure a reliable, high-speed network. By 2022, 5G technology was fast enough that train passengers could watch the opening ceremony on their devices. Passengers can now enjoy the most impressive connections while traveling by train.