Ooredoo executives and their colleagues took part last week in a virtual event organised by Ericsson – one of the leading providers of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to service providers – to evaluate the potential of 5G in a stadium environment.
Experts from Ericsson gave keynote speeches and presentations which drew upon their rich experience of working at sporting events and mega-events, both in Europe and the Americas.
These cutting-edge ideas were reinforced using live demonstrations from Ericsson’s experience centre facility based in Kista, Sweden.
Ericsson UnBoxed digital events bring together experts and thought leaders to showcase insights, use cases and technologies.
Last week’s meeting was specifically crafted to provide Ooredoo professionals with a unique and interactive experience.
Executive keynotes included Building the future today with Fadi Pharaon (president of Ericsson Middle East & Africa) and Kevin Murphy (vice-president and head of Global Customer Unit Ooredoo Group at Ericsson).
Representing Ooredoo were Thani al-Malki (senior director active) and Günther Ottendorfer (chief technology & infrastructure officer), who between them provided a keynote address, while celebrating the company’s recent achievements in network modernisation and project completion throughout Qatar.
The speakers described and illustrated how extensive preparations for 4G and 5G delivery led to success in supporting customers and roamers at the Amir Cup, the World Athletics Championships and the FIFA Club World Cup, all staged in Doha in 2019.
Alongside looking at these important milestones on the journey to 2022, other sessions considered such themes as Building the ecosystem with the industries in 5G, Winning hearts with stadium experience, and How to monetise on 5G in stadiums.
Ooredoo public relations director Sabah Rabiah al-Kuwari said: “With a number of major sporting events on the horizon, it is important that Ooredoo welcomes and encourages thought leadership, inspiring the entire organisation to maximise the potential of these incredible opportunities.
“Our existing track record of providing a truly enriching digital environment for participants in and audiences of global sporting events gives us a powerful platform from which to chart our future orientation towards enhancing the customer experience to the max.”
Sameh Talal, head of marketing at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, said: “We have been working closely with our partner Ooredoo understanding their priorities and strategic direction.
“Ericsson UnBoxed event brought some of the latest 5G global insights where we shed a special light on what can be an elevated fan experience during major sporting events.
“At Ericsson, we believe in the power of innovation to bridge any distance and to make the impossible, possible”
Some 200 employees from Ooredoo and Ericsson took part.
The virtual nature of the event, which enjoyed uninterrupted online connectivity, ensured that it was fully in line with current public health guidelines on social distancing.