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Published on: 19/01/2026
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Orange has deployed a private 5G network in the Val Thorens ski resort, offering the first opportunity to test capabilities for innovative uses in a mountain environment with extreme conditions. This test, carried out during the live broadcast of the Ski Cross World Cup, demonstrated the power and reliability of a dedicated network reserved for local actors and partners.
An immersive experience at the Ski Cross World Cup
On 12 December 2025, during the live broadcast of the Ski Cross World Cup, spectators enjoyed a unique experience through the use of 5G cameras connected via private 5G, integrated into the skiers’ helmets. This system enabled real-time image transmission, delivering a fully immersive experience of the competition and was provided by Orange Events whose teams are specialized in designing and deploying temporary, secure networks for major sporting and cultural events.
During this innovative test, high-definition video streams were sent in real time to a control room via a dedicated private 5G solution, ensuring low latency and optimal image quality. The technical team selected the best viewing angles before broadcasting selected images to national and international television channels. Cameras mounted on the skier’s shoes allowed viewers, whether sitting in front of their screens at the ski resort or behind their mobile devices, to experience the event through the eyes of the competitor.
How does Orange’s private 5G network work?
The private 5G network deployed in Val Thorens is based on a dedicated infrastructure, separate from the public network, offering high bandwidth and low latency. 5G antennas installed on-site and connected to Orange’s core network enabled the simultaneous transmission of 4K or 8K video streams while ensuring optimal network security. The technology uses specific frequency bands, with resource management optimized to guarantee quality of service, even during peak usage. Unlike public 5G, this dedicated version ensures consistent performance, even when tens of thousands of spectators saturate the network with their phones.
This type of experimentation demonstrates how a private network can provide reliable and secure transmission—crucial for sporting events or other large-scale gatherings requiring high-performance connectivity.
What is the strategic value of a private 5G network for businesses and local authorities?
François Persiaux, Director of Orange Events Reportages, explains :
Private 5G offers customised management mechanisms that ensures a premium service with high and stable data rates, ultra-low latency for near real-time image transmission and optimal network security. Many applications are possible, such as live broadcast images, press agency photos, temporary TV sets, close-up interviews with athletes, access security and surveillance, and many other uses.
Private 5G: technical reliability that unlocks endless possibilities
This event demonstrated that private 5G networks can offer tangible benefits for local and industrial stakeholders.
- Enhanced security: sensitive data remains confined to a dedicated network, reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
- Reliability and availability: by avoiding public network saturation, critical services remain operational under all circumstances.
- Optimized performance: a dedicated bandwidth supports demanding applications in terms of throughput and latency, such as telemedicine, robotics or logistics flow management.
- Flexibility and control: businesses and local authorities can configure their network according to their needs, with real-time management
This type of network paves the way for numerous use cases: predictive maintenance in industry, smart urban infrastructure management, IoT, automated warehouses, connected hospitals, remote surveillance, events management, and more.
Private 5G: opening up new horizons
The experimentation in Val Thorens is just one example of what a private 5G network can offer. Private 5G has huge potential to transform many sectors: Industry 4.0, healthcare, smart agri, logistics, smart cities, and more.
Orange is here to support each stakeholder in this transition, creating tailor-made, innovative and secure solutions.
Discover and experiment private 5G with Orange 5G Lab
Orange 5G Lab, with 22 sites in France and abroad, supports all companies eager to experiment with 5G and fully harness its potential.
Through concrete and innovative solutions, we help them transform their businesses and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges.
Make an appointment with an Orange 5G Lab expert
To learn more
Discover our other articles on private 5G
• “5G metro project: initial results on the development of a Hybrid-5G MPN Network “
• “5G boosts mobile private networks for the IoT“
• “5G Private Networks – what are the promises and opportunities for your business ?”
