Ericsson, Vodafone link gamers in Portugal and Spain via 5G global roaming

Driving across the Minho River between Portugal and Spain, two renowned gamers from the Vodafone Giants team, showed how 5G is eliminating barriers in the eSports world. Ericsson’s technology and Vodafone’s network were behind the successful 5G global roaming session.

The technical demonstration took place on May 22, 2019 from two moving vehicles traveling the three-kilometer distance between Tui in Vigo (Spain) and Valença do Minho in Porto (Portugal).

Esport gamers, Fox and Tojor, played together in real time as they crossed the border taking advantage of 5G capabilities and infrastructure. In addition to mobility gaming, an immersive multimedia experience, showing tourist points of interest in Valença was also demonstrated using the 5G network.

As part of the global roaming demonstration, Ericsson provided virtualized 5G core network functions for both Vodafone Spain and Vodafone Portugal networks along with 5G Radio gnodeBs. This technology allowed for roaming call mobility from one country to the other. Both networks are connected through the Vodafone roaming services network. In addition, two radio locations have been deployed in both Tui and Valença do Minho with 5G Massive MIMO AIR 6488 technology.

José Antonio López, Head of Ericsson Spain and Portugal, says: “5G will serve consumers, enterprises and take the internet of things to a next level, where superior connectivity is a prerequisite. Ericsson and Vodafone have a strong partnership for innovation, and with this important milestone are for the first time connecting two countries over 5G in mobility and contributing to make 5G a success.”

The seamless connectivity between the two countries allows for maintenance of the service when crossing the border. In the case of mobile gaming, one of the areas that will benefit more from 5G ultra-low latency and high-speed capabilities, this means that gamers can play without disconnection or ‘lags’ of the game in which they could be eliminated or lose important records.

Ericsson works closely with telecom operators across the world and are continuously testing, learning and pushing the boundaries of how 5G can meet the diverse needs now and of the future.