Even though some countries have already started testing 5G networks and companies such as Samsung, Oppo and Motorola have already introduced compatible phones, no exact 5G network release date has been revealed yet. Still, considering the recent advancements in technology, it would be safe to say that the 5G network release in the US could be in the near future.
As of October, about 4 million Koreans smartphones that are compatible with 5G, with their number expected to increase to 5 million by the end of 2019. Also, more than 100,000 base stations have been deployed by China so far, with the number of 5G mobile subscribers expected to reach 150 million nationally in 2020. Earlier in 2019, AT&T Stadium became the first 5G-enabled stadium on the territory of the US, with the company demonstrating the network’s performance and its effects on the customer interaction with the game.
The 5G infrastructure is not widespread yet but according to experts, the implementation of the advanced wireless technology would change the mobile gaming habits of players all over the world. In fact, the launch of 5G is expected to bring a truly immersive experience to mobile and in-game sports betting customers.
Sports Betting Venues Face Some Issues to Meet Rising Demand of Connectivity
Sometimes, it could be hard for live sports betting fans to place wagers when at a stadium, as the large number of people using their phones overwhelm the network. The implementation of 5G networks is expected to solve most problems related to connectivity, as the advanced wireless technology would give more Internet access than ever to smartphone users.
5G network is also expected to gain early traction in sports venues, so according to some analysts, the launch of the new network could really change the game for sports fans who also love betting. Of course, there could be issues related to the roll-out of the new connectivity option.
Normally, massive amounts of data are required by professional sports venues, considering the fact many people are present there literally all the time, with all of them trying to share information as quickly as possible. According to estimates, the data usage in sports venues has increased by 67% year-on-year.
For the time being, the majority of such venues in the US are using a hybrid model of 4G and WiFi networks in order to be able to meet the connectivity needs of their customers. Unfortunately, this is not enough, especially with the audiences getting more and more demanding and some of them preferring to bet online at the comfort of their home.
Stadiums, on the other hand, have been making investments in so-called distributed antenna systems (DAS) and WiFi capacity upgrades every year, with more WiFi access points and miles of fiber being added annually. The bad news is that this practice has not been enough for them to keep up with the rising demand of their customers, who have been processing a massive amount of data that simply requires suitable infrastructure that is able to meet the surge in data sharing and does not require the addition of more fiber.
What Would the Launch of 5G Network Change in Sports and Sports Betting?
Considering the fact that data consumption at sports venues has risen a lot over the past few years and live sports represented 89 of the 100 most-watched broadcasts in 2018, an innovation such as the implementation of 5G connectivity would greatly improve customers’ sports betting experience.
As mentioned above, the launch of 5G networks is expected to make sports betting data sharing easier and to improve the user experience.
According to analysts, the new advanced wireless technology would be beneficial for the augmented and virtual reality technology, as it would help developers to add new digital elements to the customer experience. In addition, sports fans who are both present at an event in the stadium or watch the event live at home would be able to enjoy new camera angles that would bring them closer to what happens on the ground. Also, the improved connectivity would be beneficial for the sports teams to train and track their performance by using data-driven equipment.
As mentioned above, the 5G network launch would provide sports fans and gamblers with better opportunities to share various data with their friends outside of the sports venues in real-time, no matter which network they use. States that have already legalized sports betting would be able to take advantage of the quicker speed of information sharing.
Moreover, the implementation of the new advanced wireless technology could help professional sports that are trying to attract some younger fans to their aging fan base. The new connectivity could make them more attractive to younger audiences.
Endless Opportunities for Customers, Stadiums and Sports Betting Operators Would Be Available
The addition of the 5G network would be beneficial for sports betting operators’ customers, experts say. Apart from the fact that national sports leagues and franchises would see a serious improvement in the live experiences of their fans by adding more interactive opportunities and boost customers’ engagement, fans would be able to view their favorite game in a way that they never have so far.
When it comes to in-game sports betting, the availability of mobile betting options is crucial. Normally, most sports bets are placed before the beginning of the sports event, but players are now able to place wagers while the game is live. These options, however, are powered by the rapid collection of sports data. In this case, the speed of a user’s mobile data service is very important, as slower Internet service would make it hard for customers to receive updates or place in-game bets.
On the other hand, the implementation of 5G is considered a new opportunity for stadiums to join forces with a certain network partner to start offering a comprehensive network for their stadium. Sports venues will become 5G “use places” where fans would be able to take advantage of an improved connectivity service with excellent speed and quality regardless of the crowds. In other words, 5G networks have the potential to make a great difference in sporting events and sports betting, no matter if fans are present in the stadium or prefer to bet at home.
