The 2025 Shanghai F1 Grand Prix: 5G-A Millimeter Wave Networking Powers 8K 3D VR Race Broadcasting, Achieving 2Gbps Uplink Speed
The 2025 Shanghai F1 Grand Prix: 5G-A Millimeter Wave Networking Powers 8K 3D VR Race Broadcasting, Achieving 2Gbps Uplink SpeedOn March 23, 2025, the world-renowned Formula 1 (F1) Shanghai Grand Prix thrilled audiences at the Shanghai International Circuit. In a groundbreaking collaboration, Shanghai Mobile, Nokia Bell Labs, and Qualcomm Technologies deployed a 5G-Advanced (5G-A) network based on millimeter wave (mmWave) technology at the circuit, delivering an unprecedented immersive viewing experience to global audiences
The 2025 Shanghai F1 Grand Prix: 5G-A Millimeter Wave Networking Powers 8K 3D VR Race Broadcasting, Achieving 2Gbps Uplink Speed
On March 23, 2025, the world-renowned Formula 1 (F1) Shanghai Grand Prix thrilled audiences at the Shanghai International Circuit. In a groundbreaking collaboration, Shanghai Mobile, Nokia Bell Labs, and Qualcomm Technologies deployed a 5G-Advanced (5G-A) network based on millimeter wave (mmWave) technology at the circuit, delivering an unprecedented immersive viewing experience to global audiences. This successful partnership marks a significant leap forward for 5G-A network technology and mmWave applications.
The core of this collaboration was leveraging the ultra-high speed and low latency of the 5G-A network to enable 8K 3D VR race broadcasting. This technological breakthrough effectively addressed the bandwidth bottlenecks and latency issues previously encountered in high-definition video streaming. By deploying mmWave networking in the main grandstand and VIP areas of the Shanghai International Circuit, the 5G-A network achieved an uplink transmission rate of up to 2Gbps. This not only met the demands of multi-channel 8K 3D VR video wireless backhaul but also provided on-site spectators with a smooth, high-definition, low-latency streaming service.
This technologys impact extended beyond enhanced viewer experience, revolutionizing the race broadcasting production process. The high-speed, high-capacity uplink provided by the mmWave network allowed the production team to view high-quality footage in real-time using VR headsets. This enabled better control over shooting progress and image quality, significantly improving production efficiency. Image quality and smoothness previously requiring complex post-processing were now achievable in real-time, dramatically elevating the production standards of the race broadcast.
With the rapid growth of the live streaming economy, audiences increasingly rely on mobile phones to share event content. However, meeting the demands of numerous users simultaneously streaming high-definition video in densely populated areas has been a major industry challenge. The mmWave networks substantial uplink capacity provided a perfect solution. During the 2025 Shanghai F1 Grand Prix, Shanghai Mobile, Nokia Bell Labs, and Qualcomm Technologies, using Xiaomi phones, successfully transmitted high-definition video signals from multiple angles via the mmWave network to a converged media workstation before distributing them to various live streaming platforms. This provided viewers with multi-angle, multi-dimensional viewing experiences, significantly enriching the content.
The two live broadcasting demonstrations successfully completed by the three parties showcased mmWave technologys advantages in high bandwidth, low latency, and high uplink capacity. Its ability to handle dense network demands and the rapidly increasing user needs of concurrent services demonstrated its power. This pilot project strongly proves the crucial role of mmWave technology in driving media broadcasting for large-scale events and fulfilling the high uplink bandwidth needs of public networks. It also opens up broader horizons for mmWave network innovation and application development, accelerating the implementation of more 5G-A use cases.
Liang Zhiqiang, Deputy General Manager of Shanghai Mobile, stated that Shanghai Mobile consistently champions innovation. Deploying the 5G-A network in advance of the major F1 event and experimenting with mmWave live broadcasting aims to actively contribute to industry technological innovation and business value-added services. The successful application of this technology not only enhances Shanghai Mobile's capabilities in 5G-A network construction and application but also provides valuable experience and insights for other large-scale public events.
Cheng Gang, Executive Vice President of Nokia Bell Labs, believes that the combination of mmWave technology and major event live broadcasting exemplifies the innovative applications driven by network technology innovation. Through this collaboration, Nokia Bell Labs showcased its advanced technological capabilities and strength in 5G-A network construction and mmWave application, providing optimal network solutions for global telecommunications operators.
Li Jing, Global Vice President of Qualcomm Technologies, pointed out that mmWave, as a critical component of 5G, not only effectively enhances 5G-A performance but also expands application scenarios, acting as a key technology to unleash the full potential of 5G. Qualcomm Technologies will continue to dedicate itself to mmWave research and innovation, providing global users with faster, more stable, and more reliable network connectivity.
In conclusion, the success of the 2025 Shanghai F1 Grand Prix was not only a spectacular sporting event but also a showcase for 5G-A mmWave networking technology and its applications. This successful collaboration marks a new milestone for 5G-A network technology, guiding the future development of live broadcasting technology for large-scale events and public activities, and expanding the application of 5G technology. The event demonstrated the powerful capabilities of mmWave technology in meeting the demands for high bandwidth, low latency, and high uplink capacity, as well as its immense potential in driving the development and application of 5G-A technology. This will accelerate the implementation of more 5G-A application scenarios, bringing more innovation and development opportunities to various industries. The successful application of this technology will further promote the popularization and application of 5G and mmWave technology, bringing a better digital life to global users. The future promises more innovative applications based on 5G-A mmWave technology empowering various industries and driving socio-economic development. With the support of 5G-A mmWave networking technology, we can anticipate even higher-definition, smoother, and more immersive live broadcasting experiences, as well as more innovative applications. The successful collaboration between Shanghai Mobile, Nokia Bell Labs, and Qualcomm Technologies sets a benchmark for other global operators and technology providers, accelerating the rapid development and implementation of global 5G-A technology. This technology, beyond large-scale event broadcasting, can be expanded into numerous fields, such as telemedicine, distance learning, and high-definition video surveillance, bringing greater convenience and progress to society and ultimately building a brighter digital future. This also shows that the mature application of 5G-A mmWave technology will bring us a more intelligent, convenient, and efficient lifestyle.
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