In a strategic partnership, Nokia, in collaboration with TPG Telecom and MediaTek, has unveiled a live 360-degree video broadcast that provides a glimpse into the future of the metaverse. The interactive demonstration served as a testament to the capabilities of Nokia’s cutting-edge 5G uplink carrier aggregation (CA) technology, complemented by TPG Telecom’s commercial 5G network and MediaTek’s advanced 5G mobile chipset technology.

By seamlessly integrating sub-6 GHz frequency bands, Nokia’s ingenious CA technology has succeeded in optimizing 5G uplink speeds, facilitating the real-time transmission of high-quality 360-degree video content. Central to the demonstration was Nokia’s AirScale portfolio, a comprehensive suite encompassing baseband, massive MIMO, and remote radio head products, all of which were powered by the innovative ReefShark chipset.

MediaTek, a key collaborator in this endeavor, contributed its formidable 5G mobile platform, showcasing the capabilities of the MediaTek M80 5G modem, seamlessly integrated into the Dimensity SoC series. The live demonstration achieved an impressive peak uplink throughput of 159 Mbps. This remarkable feat was accomplished through the utilization of a 15 MHz carrier on the 700 MHz band, combined with a 90 MHz carrier on the 3.6 GHz band, all made possible by MediaTek’s cutting-edge uplink carrier aggregation technology.

Leslie Shannon, Nokia’s Head of Trend and Innovation Scouting, articulated her vision of the metaverse during the demonstration. In her discourse, she expounded on the vital role of 360-degree video streaming over 5G networks, particularly in the context of industrial metaverse applications. Shannon emphasized the significance of this technology in enabling workers to virtually experience remote locations through immersive VR headsets, thereby granting them the ability to control robots in hazardous environments.

A recent study entitled “The Metaverse at Work” resonates with the themes discussed during the demonstration. The study revealed that an astounding 96% of respondents acknowledge the transformative potential of the industrial metaverse, specifically its ability to seamlessly blend physical and virtual use cases. Experts believe that the metaverse’s advent will usher in innovative capabilities that accelerate the deployment, widespread adoption, and monetization of Industry 4.0 initiatives.

David Yeo, General Manager of Wireless Access Networks at TPG Telecom, exuded enthusiasm for the 5G network’s potential in delivering immersive experiences to both consumers and businesses alike. Meanwhile, Andrew Cope, Nokia’s Head of Oceania, underscored the pivotal role played by 360-degree video streaming, empowered by Nokia’s 5G uplink carrier aggregation technology, in shaping the future of industrial digitalization and the metaverse.

HC Hwang, General Manager of Wireless Communication System and Partnerships at MediaTek, shed light on the capabilities of MediaTek’s M80 5G modem and underscored the tangible benefits of uplink carrier aggregation across real-world applications.

The collaborative synergy between Nokia, TPG Telecom, and MediaTek has undeniably provided a vivid glimpse into the transformative potential of 5G technology. This powerful alliance not only highlights the capacity of 5G to redefine the metaverse but also underscores its role in shaping the digital landscape of tomorrow. Through the amalgamation of cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches, this collaboration has illuminated a path toward a future that seamlessly merges the physical and virtual realms