EE initially launched 5G in May this year with coverage in London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff, Birmingham and Manchester
In the latest demonstration of its 5G technology, British mobile network operator and internet service provider EE, part of BT, live-streamed a surprise performance by indie pop band Bastille in augmented reality (AR) to three U.K. cities.
While the band’s gig took place at Birmingham New Street train station, commuters across Liverpool and Edinburgh were provided 360-degree footage of the performance using mixed-reality glasses provided by Nreal, paired with a Samsung Galaxy Fold. The live demonstration illustrated the bandwidth capabilities of EE’s next-generation service.
Pete Jeavons, marketing communications director at BT and EE, commented, “With 5G, our customers can enjoy immersive experiences no matter where they are, even during their commute and in the busiest places.
“We’re saying goodbye to the days of refreshing our screens while waiting to get out of the station into a less congested area. This extraordinary AR performance from Bastille in three cities simultaneously, is a great demonstration of what’s now possible for our customers with 5G,” he added.
With claims of being the first to make its 5G network available to U.K. customers, EE initially launched 5G in May this year with coverage in London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff, Birmingham and Manchester.
And just a few weeks ago, the carrier announced it has switched on 5G technology in 14 new cities and towns across the U.K. Specifically, EE added 5G to Castlereagh, Guildford, Hamilton, Harlow, Hoddesdon, Kimberley, Lisburn, Maidstone, Sydenham, Watford and Wolverhampton, and has switched on its first 5G sites in Liverpool, Glasgow and Huddersfield.
According to the carrier, its London 5G coverage is currently at more than 60% of the city, and a total of 45 cities and large towns are expected to be covered by the end of this year.
EE is not the only mobile operator getting involved in the music scene. Last week, Verizon worked with EDM-pop duo The Chainsmokers to create the first 5G-powered concert at the Chase Center. Using a 5G smartphone, a group of select fans were able to hold the phone up to the stage and see The Chainsmokers through an AR lens. Fans were also able to see what others with 5G smartphones are doing.
