UAE telecommunications service provider – du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, and Nokia successfully demonstrate 5G capabilities through a virtual reality (VR) game at GITEX Technology Week 2018 in Dubai. Visitors at the event are able to experience the high speed and low latency of 5G through a football-related VR game.

The demo showcases the difference in data throughput and latency of a 5G network in comparison with a 4G network. A user wearing VR goggles gets to take a penalty against a virtual football goalkeeper. In 4G mode – with higher latency – the shot is slower and thus easier for the keeper to catch the ball. When the mode is switched to faster 5G with lower latency, the user can score.

Nokia and du are working together to introduce more exciting 5G use cases to thrill customers, keeping with the spirit of the UAE government’s “Customer Happiness Index” for residents and guests in the country. 5G is the new generation of radio systems and network architecture delivering extreme broadband, ultra-robust low-latency connectivity, and massive networking to support many different use cases and business models. It also connects billions of IoT devices enabling smart cities and improve the quality of life of citizens.

Saleem AlBlooshi, Chief Infrastructure Officer, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), said: “As a technology pioneer, we are excited to collaborate with Nokia to delight our customers by introducing them to a range of entertaining and productive 5G use cases such as virtual reality.”

Bernard Najm, head of the Middle East Market Unit at Nokia, said: “We have been closely working with du for the past few years. This successful VR demo is just one of the many innovative use cases enabled by 5G. New use cases provide an opportunity to add new revenue streams for telcos like du, and also help them enhance the happiness of their subscribers.”