During the technology trial, EE connected multiple devices to one broadcast stream of live footage over its 4G mobile network, which it claims enables viewers to control multiple camera angles and replays using tablets.
The trial utilised eMBMS (evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) technology which makes the same live video content available to everyone in the same location, connecting any number of people at the same time.
Using a custom-built app, viewers at Wembley Stadium could switch between the pitch and broadcaster footage on their tablet. The app also offered live updates of stats from the game and an interactive function allowing viewers to post questions.
EE said that the trial showed the importance of partners across the mobile and broadcast industries working together to transport broadcast streams of video all the way from the cameras at pitch side to viewers’ devices.
“4G is not just about faster web and video download speeds, it will also change where and how we watch live events on mobile devices," said Olaf Swantee, CEO at EE.
"We are continuing to innovate, and to show how powerful 4G technology can be. In the future, 4G Broadcast will make live television available to mobile audiences in a way we have never seen before, and the cross-industry collaboration in this project has enabled a big step forward in making that possible."
