5G, created to connect but destined for the opposite
- Mar 10, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 30, 2020
The 5th generation of wireless technology promises to bring the fastest speeds we have ever seen but will this improvement further connect us with each other or with our phones?
CNN published an article this week intending to excite people on the introduction of 5G technology. 5G is the successor of 4G and is promising huge improvements in network speeds. It is the 5th generation wireless technology for digital cellular networks. This technology promises to bring unimaginable speeds that will transform many industries.
The NFL teamed up with Verizon before the Super Bowl to get Miami Ready for the first-ever 5G Super Bowl. The intention was to see how 5G could revolutionize the sport and how the spectators enjoyed it.
"I can't imagine going through these experiences and not being excited about the technology and what it will enable for sports and for the NFL and NFL fans," Verizon's Chief Product Development Officer Nicki Palmer told CNN Business.
However, after reading this article I have my reservations.
What 5G has to offer
Large events like the Super Bowl draw huge crowds which poses massive stresses on the wireless network. The network can become congested and slow. 5G promises speeds up to 100 times faster then we have experienced previously. These improvements will allow us to post to social media more freely and connect with friends more fluently.
A new feature will be provided to people with 5G enabled devices called OnePass. This application will allow users to connect to the stadium's network and watch the multi-camera live stream of the game. The user can watch the game from 5 additional angles as well as from their own seat. The app allows you to pause and rewind the game too so you do not need to wait for the replay on the big screen.
Verizon invested $80 million in this project of getting 5G working smoothly and also increase the capabilities of the 4G network so that the user without 5G can still enjoy some of the new features. The OnePass app will also have features to help users find their seats, restrooms, and concession stands.
"Our goal is that as we think about the fan experience in the stadium, we're always thinking about: How are we enhancing their experience?" Said the NFL Chief Revenue Officer Renie Anderson.
However, she then added that the improved network speed will make it easier for fans to make payments and order concessions from their mobile devices. This gives me further reservations in relation to the intention of this project. Do they want to improve the viewer's experience or is it to extract more money from them?
A sports marketing and brand expert, Joe Favorito, stated that "With baseball and the NFL ... You've got all that downtime to engage with fans one on one. It keeps people in seats longer, gives teams the ability to sell more product"
Favorito also expressed excitement at the opportunity of advertising to a captive audience of viewers. This further increased my apprehension over the introduction of this technology. Not only is it intended for profits, understandably, but it encourages us to spend more time on our phones instead of enjoying the experience with friends and strangers around us.
The availability of more accurate and accessible stats is an exciting feature but Anderson extends this by saying.
"Our fans have an extreme appetite for all things NFL — content about the game and stats and what guys are wearing and what they do with their families and where they vacation. We want to make sure that content is available anywhere and anytime,"
This quote frightened me as it shows the disregard these entrepreneurs have for players' privacy. The creators of this technology have tremendous power and if they openly consider overlooking the player's privacy to this degree then they could use the viewer's information to the same extent.
This technology has the potential to expand any industry in a positive or negative direction. It is about steering it the right way, in a responsible manner.
Patrick Byrne is a chief journalist and editor at 'Ready, Steady, Sports'. If you like his work follow him @PatrickByrne
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