5TONIC and Ericsson test 5G SA on millimetre waves at Movistar Arena

The tests are part of the European TrialsNet project aiming to test advanced 5G applications on a large scale in areas such as security, transport, tourism and entertainment

17 March 2025

The Movistar Arena space became a laboratory of innovation last March 16th with the testing of 5G Standalone (SA) technology on the millimetre wave band (26 GHz). Three advanced use cases were deployed during the Movistar Estudiantes vs. Súper Agropal Palencia and Real Madrid vs. Baskonia matches, taking security and live entertainment to another level.

The trials are part of TrialsNet, the European consortium funded by the European Union’s Horizon-JU-SNS-2022 programme, and have been developed within the framework of 5TONIC, the open research and innovation lab for 5G technologies founded by IMDEA Networks and Telefónica. With the participation of Ericsson, Telefónica, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M), YBVR and Prosegur Security, this initiative demonstrates how 5G standalone redefines the delivery and experience of large events.

In the morning, during the Movistar Estudiantes vs Súper Agropal Palencia basketball match, YBVR deployed 180º and 360º video cameras on the basketball court inside the stadium, and through the use of Virtual Reality glasses and immersive video on mobile devices, they carried out two applications under the title ‘Immersive Fan Engagement’: the first one for home use, taking the fans to the front row of the game with Virtual Reality (VR) and immersive video on smartphones; the second one, live in the stadium, bringing the action to the fan regardless of their seat. Two cases that enrich the user experience.

During the Real Madrid vs Baskonia basketball match, held during the afternoon of March 16th, Prosegur Security deployed vigilance devices including cameras, robots and LiDAR sensors in one of the access areas of the venue. The use case called ‘Smart Crowd Monitoring’ showed how with this technology it is possible to build an environment of applications and infrastructure to test and detect anomalous situations that compromise security during mass events. The aim is to improve security at large events by detecting crowds, violent activities and suspicious objects, as well as optimising the coordination and efficiency of emergency teams in critical situations.

During the same match, UC3M deployed different portable devices (bracelets, mobile phones, laptops, etc.) in an access area to the venue, in order to demonstrate the dual use case ‘Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) and Emergency Rescue in Populated Area’. This use case demonstrated how first responders can be effectively coordinated in triage and intervention in the event of a mass casualty incident or large-scale emergency, as well as in the emergency evacuation process, taking into account the pre-hospital care needed by the different victims.

5G SA at millimetre waves and more flexible private networks: the technological key for large events

In all three use cases, Ericsson Spain has been the enabler of the advanced 5G infrastructure, based on a 5G Standalone (SA) network operating in the millimetre wave band at 26 GHz, using spectrum assigned to Telefónica and employing a mobile network core hosted at the 5TONIC premises. Using innovative software functionalities, mobile devices connect directly to the 5G millimetre frequencies in SA, without needing additional 4G or 5G frequencies as an anchor.

The deployed technology offers ultra-fast speeds and unprecedentedly low latencies, essential features for applications in high-demand environments such as sports events. The deployed 5G infrastructure consists of a portable private network, easy to transport that can be set up and dismantled in a single day, making it ideal for mass events. It also incorporates Ericsson’s Local Packet Gateway (LPG), which manages data traffic within the private network itself, providing additional security, privacy and latency benefits.

To optimise performance and ensure the operation of the use cases, three 5G antennas were strategically placed. One antenna was located in the basketball court to connect the YBVR cameras, allowing the transmission of immersive experiences, the second antenna was located in the YBVR control room to manage the production equipment, and the third was placed in the access area to the venue, where Prosegur Security devices were in charge of ensuring the security of the event and UC3M devices for the management of emergency situations.

This deployment ensures that each application works optimally, highlighting the potential of 5G SA technology at millimetre waves in real and complex environments.

‘Having an environment such as 5TONIC makes it possible to consider very advanced tests on the latest 5G technologies. Testing real applications in environments as special as the Movistar Arena allows us to understand the type of offers and connectivity solutions that will be necessary in the medium term,’ points out Cayetano Carbajo, President of 5TONIC and Director of Core, Transport, Innovation and Ecosystem at Global CTIO, Telefónica.

‘For the Movistar Arena, the development of technological innovations such as those tested this weekend at our venue are an example of what our partnership with Movistar will mean from now on, a partnership that seeks to be pioneers in improving spectator experiences. We are confident that with the support of our partners we will increase the application of this type of technology at the Movistar Arena in the future,’ said Manuel Saucedo, CEO of Impulsa Eventos e Instalaciones, which manages the Movistar Arena.

‘This demonstration perfectly illustrates the transformative power of advanced 5G on the user experience. Supported by Ericsson’s millimetre wave 5G Standalone technology, the validated use cases create a unique link between the in-person and digital experience that provides added value to attendees. What has been achieved at the Movistar Arena marks a turning point for large sports and cultural events,’ said Manuel Lorenzo, Head of Technology & Innovation at Ericsson R&D Spain.

‘TrialsNet project aims to identify and understand the main challenges in the development of 6G technology, based on the most recent progress of the fifth generation. In this context, 5TONIC has been a key resource to achieve this goal,’ says Marco Gramaglia, Professor at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.

Three use cases that will revolutionise live events

Advanced 5G security: Smart Crowd Monitoring (Prosegur Security)

In the context of security and safety, Prosegur Security has deployed an advanced vigilance system using cameras, robots and LiDAR sensors. The system uses artificial intelligence algorithms to detect crowds, possible violent activities, vandalism and suspicious objects such as abandoned backpacks. These algorithms, which do not identify individuals or process biometric data, guarantee respect for human rights while improving security at mass events.

Connected Emergencies: Mass Casualty Incident (UC3M)

This use case, led by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, demonstrates how 5G technology can optimise the coordination of first responders such as emergency workers, firefighters, police and medical personnel in situations involving multiple casualties. Using smart wristbands connected to the 5G network, vital data (such as oxygen saturation and blood pressure) is collected and transmitted to a central WINGS server in Athens, allowing for quick and efficient classification of victims and optimal management of available resources.

New fan experiences: Immersive Fan Engagement YBVR

Intended to revolutionise the fan experience, YBVR deployed 180° and 360° video cameras on the basketball court to deliver an unprecedented immersive experience inside the venue. Attendees have been able to enjoy multiple streaming angles in real time from their mobile devices, allowing them to select from different perspectives of the game and bring the action closer to their seat, regardless of their location in the arena. Viewers at home can experience the excitement of the match as if they were in the front row, thanks to the use of Virtual Reality (VR) glasses and immersive video on their devices.