Optus Business and Cisco are building a ‘smart network’ that will connect officials, athletes and spectators at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018). The network will span the 37 GC2018’s locations, including operational, command and sporting venues, creating what the company said is a seamless user experience for officials, athletes and spectators. Optus has developed a standalone, carrier-grade network using 426 kilometres of Optus fibre. Meanwhile, Cisco’s infrastructure underpins the integrated communications solution which Optus will deliver and manage for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee (GOLDOC) following the competitive tender process. Throughout the Games Village, 6600 athletes will have access to free Optus-provided Wi-Fi. “Like all of us, athletes are embracing the digital world, communicating with coaches, family and friends on smartphones and tablets, with more reliance on apps and video streaming, which require a powerful, reliable connection,” Optus Business managing director, John Paitaridis, said in a statement. “No matter where they are from, the athletes will be able to connect their devices to the Optus network and interact seamlessly from their home away from home.” To manage the technology across all 37 operational, command and sporting venues, Optus has placed a dedicated team in the Optus Gold Coast Delivery Hub. Network management plays an integral part of the event’s delivery, from ticketing to officiating. Cisco technical experts have also been embedded in the team, working alongside Optus to ensure the smart network is Games-ready when GC2018 commences in a month’s time. Related content feature CIOs grapple with the ethics of implementing AI With ethical considerations around AI use increasingly top of mind, IT leaders are developing governance frameworks, establishing review boards, and coming to terms with the difficult discussions and decisions ahead. By Esther Shein Dec 11, 2023 13 mins Generative AI Data Governance IT Governance feature Reed Smith turns to AI for lawyer staffing solution The legal firm’s Smart Resourcing tool helps balance workloads and ensure partners find associates with the right skills and experience, while empowering employees to make connections across the firm’s global footprint. By Sarah K. White Dec 11, 2023 8 mins CIO 100 Legal Digital Transformation news Emirates NBD drives sustainability goals with Microsoft partnership By Andrea Benito Dec 10, 2023 2 mins CIO news COP28: How Du and Ericsson's partnership is supporting UAE Net Zero Strategy By Andrea Benito Dec 10, 2023 3 mins CIO Green IT Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe