How T-Mobile Will Tackle Telco Challenges at the LA Olympics
The telecommunications infrastructure required for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games poses challenges far greater than those of traditional single-site events.
To power connectivity at the most geographically dispersed Games in Olympic history, the Los Angeles Organizing Committee has appointed T-Mobile for Business as the official telecommunications partner, responsible for linking operations across Southern California’s vast region.
Unlike past Olympics concentrated in dense urban centres, LA28 will leverage existing venues spread across multiple counties.
T-Mobile for Business will be tasked with unifying more than 110 sites, including in excess of 40 competition arenas, while ensuring seamless performance across a range of geographical and technical conditions.
“The LA28 Games will set the standard for how technology can connect people to the biggest stage in all of sports,” says David Michael, Chief Information Officer for LA28.
“Harnessing new technologies and partners who align with our vision is key to the future of the Movement.
“T-Mobile for Business will play a crucial role in connecting Games stakeholders to the action as events unfold at more than 110 connected locations – including more than 40 competition venues – across Southern California.”
T-Mobile 5G Network addresses Olympic broadcasting evolution
As part of the agreement, T-Mobile for Business will deploy secure, low-latency connectivity linking the International Broadcast Center with every competition venue, enabling Olympic Broadcasting Services to collaborate with over 100 international media partners.
The network design incorporates T-Mobile 5G Advanced Network Solutions utilising network slicing to establish dedicated channels for broadcast data.
This ensures assured performance levels while isolating broadcast operations from general network traffic.
The technical setup reflects the evolving demands of modern broadcasting, where multiple camera feeds, real-time analytics and interactive content supplement traditional live coverage.
- More than 110 connected locations across Southern California, including over 40 competition venues
- SuperMobile platform will connect more than 15,000 Olympic staff members via push-to-talk services
- T-Mobile 5G will link the International Broadcast Center to all venues for more than 100 broadcasters
Precise timing is essential for Olympic broadcasting, as even brief delays can disrupt live coverage coordination across venues and global broadcast partners.
T-Mobile’s network must support these latency-sensitive applications while simultaneously delivering the capacity required for operational communications and high-volume spectator connectivity.
SuperMobile platform manages distributed staff communications
The dispersed footprint of LA28 introduces communication hurdles absent from more centrally located Olympic venues.
Through its SuperMobile platform, T-Mobile will link more than 15,000 staff via push-to-talk services, ensuring seamless coordination between venues spread across Southern California’s wide geography.
The LA28 Games will set the standard for how technology can connect people to the biggest stage in all of sports.
T-Mobile’s SuperMobile platform integrates nationwide network slicing, built-in security measures and satellite coverage to maintain connectivity even in locations where terrestrial service may be limited.
The system enables separate communication channels for distinct staff functions, ensuring security teams, venue operations and broadcast crews each have dedicated pathways while operating on a shared infrastructure.
Network slicing is particularly vital during peak periods, when tens of thousands of spectators are using digital services while mission-critical operations demand uninterrupted performance.
T-Mobile faces the challenge of balancing these varying requirements across venues with diverse capacity needs.
Network architecture addresses commercial operations security
The architecture also safeguards commercial activities, with the Olympic Games generating major revenue streams through ticketing, merchandising and hospitality across multiple sites.
By assigning these commercial systems to dedicated network segments, T-Mobile’s network slicing provides secure transactions and ensures continuity of operations even under heavy spectator demand.
Point-of-sale systems and event ticketing utilise secure network slices separate from general connectivity, reducing security risks while maintaining high-bandwidth performance.
This architectural approach reflects broader telecommunications industry trends toward application-specific network provisioning.
“T-Mobile for Business has the advanced, next-gen technology that will help redefine how the Games are run and experienced, making them faster, more connected and more immersive and epic,” says Mo Katibeh, Chief Marketing Officer, T-Mobile Business Group.
Olympic venue distribution creates network challenges
Each LA28 venue type demands unique connectivity profiles. For instance, aquatic centres require different network setups compared to outdoor athletics or indoor arenas.
T-Mobile must tailor its solutions to these varied requirements while delivering consistent performance across all sites.
The network infrastructure must also enable seamless, real-time coordination between venues, especially for events like marathons and cycling that span public roads and need mobile connectivity far beyond fixed facility networks.
“We’re thrilled this technology will be put in play on the biggest stage in sports to support LA28's goals to increase operational efficiencies, transform fan experiences and support a seamless broadcast,” Mo says.
