Billed as a "major partnership", it will see the two collaborate to enhance the fan experience in and around stadiums during the competition.
Specifically, the partnership will benefit network operation and event management in eight connected stadiums across Qatar, as well as 5G experiences in airports, fan zones and major tourist attractions around the country.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Al Thani, deputy group CEO and CEO of Ooredoo Qatar, said: “Expectations are running high for the major football tournament in Qatar in 2022, making it ever more important for us to leverage the full potential of 5G.
"As a global pioneer of the fifth-generation technology, we aim to deliver seamless experiences to visitors as well as spectators and provide a highly digital, immersive and intelligent Qatar 2022 tournament experience to our subscribers. We are thrilled to partner with Ericsson in demonstrating the best of cellular technology and ensuring a world-class immersive experience at the most anticipated sporting event in the Middle East,” he added.
Ooredoo named Ericsson as its 5G supplier earlier this year for Qatar and nine other markets, with the Swedish equipment vendor supplying 5G radio, core and transport products. In October it added BSS solutions.
However, Ericsson has a long history of connecting sporting events through its connected stadiums portfolio. It has previously provided equipment for major sports events, including the Super Bowl.
The firm said that, globally, sports venues are seeing a 67% growth in data usage year over year.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup – scheduled to be held in Qatar between 21 November and 18 December – is the latest in a series of major events to be held in Qatar, which also hosts this year's FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021.
Ooredoo was named as the Official Middle East and Africa telecommunications operator of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the upcoming FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, earlier this month.
There's more on this story – and the growing business case for 5G in sport – in the next issue of Capacity magazine.
