Nokia and du demonstrate Middle East's first 4K 3D 360 virtual reality video streaming using 5G-ready network at GITEX 2016

Nokia and, UAE-based telecommunications service provider, du, used Nokia AirScale Radio Access to showcase 360 degree virtual reality (VR) video streaming for the first time in the Middle East at GITEX 2016 in Dubai. In the demonstration, 3D 360 VR content created with the Nokia OZO VR camera was streamed to head-mounted displays using Nokia 5G-ready network, delivering a fully immersive VR experience for attendees. This demonstration is yet another milestone for du on its path to 5G technology and taking 5G beyond speed and connectivity by demonstrating real 5G use cases.

The demonstration at GITEX 2016 used the 5G-ready Nokia AirScale Radio Access on the 4.5 GHz frequency. Using a large bandwidth of 400 MHz and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology, which utilizes multiple antennas to transmit and receive, Nokia AirScale can offer enhanced capacity and speeds. This enables du to offer a superior broadband experience to end users.  

Nokia AirScale technology helps service providers deliver ultra-low latency and massive capacity, which is essential to support real-time IoT, VR, augmented reality and new applications such as remote surgery and autonomous cars. Nokia AirScale allows service providers to run multiple technologies simultaneously on the same platform, supporting both traditional and flexible cloud-based architectures. Not only does it deliver extreme broadband speeds, but it also supports Mobile Edge Computing, which uses local content to deliver enhanced services.

Saleem AlBlooshi, Executive Vice President – Network Development and Operations, du, said: “Smart cities of tomorrow would require high-speed and low latency connectivity to connect Internet of Things applications. The demonstration of 3D 360 VR video streaming over 5G-ready system provides a glimpse into the future of one such application. It underscores our commitment to go beyond connectivity and speed and providing end-to-end real use cases for 5G. Nokia is our partner for UAE 5G innovation Gate (U5GIG) that will enable UAE to participate in the development and standardization of 5G system. Nokia will continue to be a strategic partner for 5G network that we will offer in Dubai Expo 2020.”

Bernard Najm, Vice President and Head of the Middle East Market Unit, Nokia, said:“This demonstration at GITEX is a testimony to our leadership position in 5G technology. Nokia AirScale allows operators like du to make the required transformations for future bandwidth-intensive applications, while at the same time utilizing their existing radio network investment. We are committed to helping du prepare for the programmable world of the future.” 

du and Nokia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a set of common objectives for the development and evolution of 5G and IoT during GITEX 2015. At the event, the two companies demonstrated the possibilities of 5G systems for future ultra-broadband and critical machine-type communication for the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city applications.

Did you know?

With increasing uptake of IoT, we will soon be living in a world with more Internet-connected devices than there are connected humans. As a leader in 5G, Nokia runs several 5G-related industry projects in Europe, chairs the 5G-PPP association and collaborates on 5G innovation projects with major operators across the globe including in Middle East and Africa.