The 2020 Olympics, 5G and Soundpays

5G represents the biggest technology shift for mobile networks, and beyond this fundamental change to the “plumbing” of the mobile ecosystem, it will empower a smart video content ecosystem, the introduction of automobile-based applications beyond Apple Car Play and Android Auto, and the further development of smarter Internet-of-Things.

Soundpays is actively working with the Government of Canada and Humber College to test and validate both ATSC 3.0 and 5G networking. We have a strong interest not only in the way mobile devices will handle the higher speed 5G networks, but also the evolving Multi-Access Edge Computing (MEC) offerings of the main 5G providers in Japan: DocoMo, Softbank, and Rakuten.

For more than a year, we have been exploring and preparing for the delivery of 5G, and ways it can be leveraged to enhance the capabilities of the Soundpays consumer interaction. For example, we believe Japan’s Smart Cities initiatives, Society 5.0, could benefit from Soundpays unique, patented approach to establishing interactivity between the consumer, their mobile device and out-of-home advertising.

At the very core of 5G, DocoMo, Softbank, and Rakuten have been investing in the enhancement of (or in the case of Rakuten, building brand new) underlying 5G networks, and choosing (or building) their integrated Edge application possibilities. But, for consumers, 5G simply means faster mobile data speeds, and if the networks emerge as promised, 10000% faster speeds.

With these speeds, video content, such as connected TV (CTV), streaming services and audio/video content experiences over 5G will be fast and more enjoyable. Out-of-home advertising will benefit greatly from this new capability, allowing consumers to access downloadable content from digital signage and other outdoor advertising using Soundpays technology, even allowing consumers download a full-length movie in seconds.

Perhaps we will see the emergence of 5G specific MEC-based apps for the 2020 Olympic Games, such as virtual reality, 3D mobile viewing or other types of real-time experiences. These will all require the quality and speed of 5G.

Beyond faster networks and video content, the other two areas where 5G is likely to impact will be the Internet of Things, self-driving vehicles, and in-auto computing. 5G is positioned to support the spread of artificial intelligence and machine learning along with the delivery and processing of massive amounts of data. Today’s mobile networks simply cannot support the speeds or volume of data being planned over the coming few years.

We welcome the enhancements that 5G will provide, however, we are already delivering solutions today that support lower bandwidth versions of actionable television advertising, touchless commerce and interactive out-of-home advertising — the same three areas where 5G will enhance our capabilities even further. These lower bandwidth versions allow our customers to define and test their proofs-of-concept today, without having to wait for a conclusive 5G rollout.