10 April 2024
In a ground-breaking move that's set to redefine the landscape of event broadcasting, Tū Ātea Limited partnered with Waka Ama New Zealand to bring the power of an innovative off-grid private 5G network for their annual secondary schools national event.
This collaboration brought forth the deployment of Kāhu, a cutting-edge 5G radio network solution, at the picturesque Lake Tikitapu (also called Blue Lake) in Rotorua, with approximately 1,600 high school students and an estimated further 2,000 and spectators.
Kāhu is an off-grid, rapidly deployable 5G coverage solution designed to offer robust connectivity solutions in the most remote and challenging environments. The system comprises of a compact local core or an optional cloud-based core, and a compact 5G radio unit, which operates on the Māori 5G radio spectrum. This unit connects multiple TV cameras, overcoming the limitations and costs traditionally associated with off-grid broadcasting.
What makes Kāhu particularly remarkable is its self-sufficiency and speed to deploy. The unit is designed to be easily transported by standard flat bed ute or small single-axle trailer. Powered entirely by solar panels and batteries, which also support the Starlink satellite connection, used to relay live streams back to the cloud. This eco-friendly approach not only ensures a sustainable operation but also guarantees uninterrupted coverage, independent of local power or internet infrastructure.
While Starlink technology has been accessible in Aotearoa for some time, its application in ‘live’ events is restricted due to its limited wifi range and throughput. Kāhu, however, surpasses these barriers with its extended range and advanced data compression capabilities, ensuring seamless high-definition coverage across the locale of the event.
The onsite execution was led by Tū Ātea’s 5G Solution Manager Teresa Chao, in collaboration with technology partners from Shape Technology, marking a significant milestone in off-grid connectivity solutions for live events. Kingi Gilbert and his team from Ignite Studios provided coverage of the event using Kāhu.
This ground breaking initiative not only showcases the ingenuity and potential of private 5G networks but also underscores the commitment of Waka Ama New Zealand and its partners to leveraging technology to enhance cultural events. The successful implementation of Tū Ātea Limited's Kāhu unit at the Waka Ama event paves the way for future applications of off-grid 5G solutions, setting a new standard in event broadcasting and connectivity.