Nokia and du demonstrate Middle East's first 4K 3D 360 virtual reality video streaming using 5G-ready network at GITEX 2016
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The video streaming demonstration over 5G-ready network places du and the Middle East at the forefront of 5G technology
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Nokia-du 5G demonstration supports UAE's vision of making Dubai a global role model for smart cities
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Nokia will continue to be the strategic 5G partner for du, and is currently collaborating with du to provide 5G network at Dubai Expo in 2020.
16 October 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-base 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.
About du
With its home in the United Arab Emirates, du is a vibrant and multiple award-winning telecommunications service provider serving over 7.7 million individual customers with its mobile, fixedline, broadband internet, and Home services over its 4G LTE network. du also caters to over 80,000 UAE businesses with its vast range of ICT and managed services. Since its launch in 2007, du has many UAE firsts to its credit, including introduction of Pay by the Second® billing system, IPTV and self-service portal.
du is ideally placed to support the realisation of UAE Vision 2021 and transformation of Dubai into a Smart City. du is also the official strategic partner of the Smart Dubai Office and the platform provider for Smart Dubai. Following the successful testing of the Middle East's first Internet of Things (IoT) network, du is on course to complete deployment of its IoT network in 2016.
Brand Finance ranked du as the 12th most valuable brand in the Middle East in 2016. du previously won the coveted Brand of the year title by Superbrands Middle East in 2013. The company has been recognised with several other awards such as ISO 27001 certification of Managed Security Services and having the distinction of opening UAE's first LEED Platinum Certified Green Shop. du also has the unique distinction of the first telecom in the world to release Sustainability Report based on GRI-G4 guidelines in 2014. du is also credited with du's world-class teleport is the largest of its kind in the Middle East and ranked among the top teleports in the world by World teleport Association.
As an Emirati business, du is vested in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the UAE. The company has, on average, had an Emiratisation rate of 34% since 2013 across its entire business. Human capital is a key focus area for the company, and the company employs nearly 2000 people from over 60 nationalities. du has won Gallup Great Workplace Award for two consecutive years.
du is 39.5 percent owned by Emirates Investment Authority, 19.75 percent by Mubadala Development Company PJSC, 19.5 percent by Emirates Communications and Technology LLC and the remaining by public shareholders. Listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), the company trades under the name 'du'.
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