BT Group partnered with global sailing championship SailGP to deploy its standalone (SA) 5G network slicing technology at the upcoming sailing Grand Prix in the UK, marking the operator’s first time deploying multiple concurrent slices at a single event.

As the official technology supplier for the event, held in Portsmouth on 19-20 July, BT will deliver two dedicated network slices to enable connectivity across key operations. Powered by subsidiary EE’s SA 5G infrastructure, the technology aims to ensure stable network performance during high traffic demand.

As part of the initiative, BT partnered with Nokia to deliver end-to-end network slicing across radio mast sites covering Portsmouth Harbour. The operator is also collaborating with Ericsson, SailGP’s global technology partner, to support use cases including real-time boat connectivity for voice, telemetry and onboard video across all 12 racing yachts, as well as point-of-sale transactions and media transmission.

Photographers will be able to use Sony’s connected camera system to upload high-resolution images in real time using BT’s SA 5G network. In addition, broadcast production will utilise Sony’s 5G live tools to transmit high-definition footage to 212 countries.

The event will also introduce a new 360-degree AR and VR experience, offering fans an immersive onboard view supported by low-latency, high-capacity 5G radios co-developed by BT and Ericsson.

BT Business COO Kerry Small stated the deployment demonstrates how SA 5G can “streamline event operations and bring fans closer to the action”.

Indeed, the operator’s latest project builds on previous slicing deployments, including at Belfast’s Christmas market last year. In a statement, the UK operator touted that EE’s SA 5G coverage now reaches more than 30 million people across over 50 UK cities.