Vertical: Broadcast
Application: Enhanced production
Ecosystem: T-Mobile, Sony
Private Network: 5G
The PGA Championship is getting a 5G upgrade courtesy of T-Mobile. The un-carrier is partnering with PGA of America to deploy the first 5G private network at a major U.S. golf event. This network will supercharge the fan experience both on and off the course at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky from May 15-19.
For spectators in attendance, T-Mobile is optimizing a slice of its public 5G network to ensure reliable connectivity for mobile payments, ticketing, and other digital fan experiences. However, the real innovation is the dedicated 5G private network T-Mobile is building for broadcasting partners like CBS Sports.
This private 5G setup, combined with ultra-low latency Sony cameras and encoders, will give CBS Sports unprecedented production flexibility. Wireless 4K cameras can now roam the course untethered, delivering cinematic quality footage and creative new angles that were virtually impossible with bulky wiring.
“Sports organizations typically come to T-Mobile to see if 5G can help them enhance operations, the fan experience, or the event broadcast, and we’re delivering all of the above and more at the PGA Championship,” said Callie Field, President, T-Mobile Business Group.
While professional golf has been slower to innovate broadcast technology compared to sports like football and basketball, this 5G-powered tournament could be a driving force for change across the sport. The PGA of America expects this to be “just the beginning” of groundbreaking new technology enriching how golf is experienced by fans globally.
T-Mobile’s 5G muscle is flexing both behind-the-scenes and front-of-house at the PGA Championship. With a blazing-fast private network for production and optimization of public 5G for attendees, the un-carrier is teeing up the most technically advanced fan experience in golf history. The 2023 tournament may be the tee shot that changes the course for how live golf is covered for years to come.
