Virgin Media O2 connects children’s playground with 5G and broadband

A temporary connected play experience for children has been set up by Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) at a playground located in King's Square Gardens in London. The children's interactions with the equipment will be transmitted through 5G and broadband, which will then modify the lights and music.
Virgin Media O2 connects children playground with 5G and Broadband

A temporary connected play experience for children has been set up by Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) at a playground located in King’s Square Gardens in London. The children’s interactions with the equipment will be transmitted through 5G and broadband, which will then modify the lights and music.


From March 9 to March 10, kids can enjoy playing with various equipment, including swings, a climbing apparatus, and a slide, all while their movements are tracked by sensors like infrared beams and pressure pads.ย The music’s tune and pitch will change, with new layers added, based on how each child interacts with the playground. This personalized music track can be downloaded and taken home, reflecting the child’s journey.

According to VMO2, the playground’s equipment is connected to both its 5G network and broadband to ensure continuous connectivity. The sensors on the playground send data streams to a Raspberry Pi’s general-purpose input/output, which serves as a cue to adjust the lights and music. These responses can be pre-programmed and later matched with the sensor thresholds on site. Raspberry Pi is a small computer that can be connected to external equipment and was originally designed for educational purposes, but it has also been utilized in the telecommunications industry, such as Vodafone‘s portable private 5G network-in-a-box prototype.

VMO2 used 5G because coverage was already available at the location at it offers low latency and higher speed. The connected playground, which coincidentally opened during a cold snap and rain, is only available for two days. Although the company notes that the experience was inspired by surveys indicating that parents want more playgrounds “modernized with technology,” there are no current plans to replicate the experience elsewhere.

VMO2 has stated that the event is a demonstration of what its network can do, similar to past events, such as the creation of a virtual pizzeria during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Recent Content

Airtel has acquired 400 MHz of 26 GHz mmWave spectrum from Adani Data Networks, a move that strengthens its high-speed 5G offerings in urban and enterprise zones. The deal enhances Airtelโ€™s ability to scale fixed wireless access, industrial 5G networks, and high-bandwidth consumer services. With India’s spectrum demand surging, this acquisition underscores the critical role of efficient spectrum use and signals a new phase of telecom consolidation.
ETSI has published its first ISAC report for 6Gโ€”ETSI GR ISC 001โ€”highlighting 18 use cases across healthcare, public safety, automation, and mobility. The report dives into deployment scenarios, sensing modalities, and KPIs like fine motion accuracy and sensing latency. It also outlines security, privacy, and sustainability guidelines for real-world ISAC integration into 6G networks.
In 2025, 5G surpasses 2.25 billion global connections, marking a pivotal shift toward mainstream adoption. While North America leads in performance and per capita usage, challenges in spectrum policy and enterprise integration remain. This in-depth report from 5G Americas explores the rise of Standalone 5G, the promise of 5G-Advanced, the reality of private network deployments, and the need for smart, forward-looking spectrum strategy.
Low-code platforms like VC4’s Service2Create (S2C) are transforming telecom operations by accelerating service delivery, reducing manual tasks, and simplifying integration with legacy systems. Discover how this technology drives digital transformation, improves efficiency, and future-proofs telecom networks.
Nokia, Digita, and CoreGo have partnered to roll out private 5G networks and edge computing solutions at high-traffic event venues. Using Nokia’s Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) and CoreGoโ€™s payment and access tech, the trio delivers real-time data flow, reliable connectivity, and enhanced guest experience across Finland and international locationsโ€”serving over 2 million attendees to date.
AI Pulse: Telecomโ€™s Next Frontier is a definitive guide to how AI is reshaping the telecom landscape โ€” strategically, structurally, and commercially. Spanning over 130 pages, this MWC 2025 special edition explores AIโ€™s growing maturity in telecom, offering a comprehensive look at the technologies and trends driving transformation.

Explore strategic AI pillarsโ€”from AI Ops and Edge AI to LLMs, AI-as-a-Service, and governanceโ€”and learn how telcos are building AI-native architectures and monetization models. Discover insights from 30+ global CxOs, unpacking shifts in leadership thinking around purpose, innovation, and competitive advantage.

The edition also examines connected industries at the intersection of Private 5G, AI, and Satelliteโ€”fueling transformation in smart manufacturing, mobility, fintech, ports, sports, and more. From fan engagement to digital finance, from smart cities to the industrial metaverse, this is the roadmap to telecomโ€™s next eraโ€”where intelligence is the new infrastructure, and telcos become the enablers of everything connected.
Whitepaper
As VoLTE becomes the standard for voice communication, its rapid deployment exposes telecom networks to new security risks, especially in roaming scenarios. SecurityGenโ€™s research uncovers key vulnerabilities like unauthorized access to IMS, SIP protocol threats, and lack of encryption. Learn how to strengthen VoLTE security with proactive measures such as...
Whitepaper
Dive into the comprehensive analysis of GTPu within 5G networks in our whitepaper, offering insights into its operational mechanics, strategic importance, and adaptation to the evolving landscape of cellular technologies....

It seems we can't find what you're looking for.

Download Magazine

With Subscription

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top