Doha, Qatar 07 December 2019: Vodafone Qatar, Official Telecommunications Sponsor of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup, in partnership with Al-Kass Sports Channels, brought football fans the country and the region’s first-ever live 5G and 360-broadcast from Al-Janoub stadium where Qatar faced Saudi Arabia in the semi-final game of the tournament.
The 360-degree camera was installed at Al-Janoub Stadium and broadcasted the game live to the Al-Kass YouTube Channel over Vodafone Qatar’s GigaNet 5G network, giving fans a real-time experience of the game as if they were physically present, with no delay or interruptions.
The live Virtual Reality (VR) experience, was yet another 5G milestone for Vodafone Qatar, who has raised the fan experience at the Arabian Gulf Cup tournament to another level with its state-of-the-art digital connectivity.
5G's low latency, fastest speed, and highest bandwidth can create viewing experiences for sporting fans like no other and get them much closer to the game. With almost no lags, 5G-powered Virtual and Augmented Reality can enable high-quality mixed reality interactions with the game and even allow viewers at home to see goals from new angles in real-time.
Vodafone Qatar Chief Executive Officer, Sheikh Hamad Abdulla Al-Thani, said: “The way we enjoy live sports games is about to be transformed by 5G capabilities. By unlocking the full potential of immersive technologies such as VR, the live sporting viewing experience will be truly personalized and interactive. The fan experiences powered by Vodafone Qatar’s 5G network at the Gulf Cup are a taste of what is to come at future international tournaments.”
Thousands of football fans have been enjoying a host of innovative fan experiences offered by Vodafone throughout the tournament including its latest ‘Fan of the Match’ in-stadium competition, and a ‘Fan Zone’ where visitors have been experiencing a customised AR game powered by Vodafone’s 5G GigaNet network and a VR football game. In addition to Vodafone’s specially designed platform www.fans.vf.qa, open to everyone in Qatar, offers interactive games that allows players to predict match results and answer a series of quizzes and trivia on a daily basis for a chance to win valuable prizes.
Vodafone Qatar has been keeping fans connected on its GigaNet network at Khalifa International Stadium, Abdulla Bin Khalifa and Al Janoub Stadium as part of its sponsorship of the Arabian Gulf Cup 2019.
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About Vodafone Qatar P.Q.S.C
Vodafone Qatar P.Q.S.C. ("Vodafone Qatar") provides a comprehensive range of services including voice, messaging, data, fixed communications, IoT and ICT managed services in the State of Qatar, for both consumers and businesses alike. The Company commenced commercial operations in 2009 and has 1.7 million customers as of 30 September 2019. Its state-of-the-art network infrastructure is expanding to cover key locations in the country with fibre connectivity and 5G, along with an extensive digital ecosystem, which will contribute to Qatar's continued growth and prosperity. Vodafone Qatar’s vision is deeply rooted in its mission to connect today’s ideas with the technologies of tomorrow by pioneering digital innovation and becoming people’s first choice in telecom and digital services. Please visit www.vodafone.qa for more details.
For press enquiries, please contact:
Lana Khachan
Head of Communications
Vodafone Qatar
E-mail: lana.khachan@vodafone.com