Formula E, Tata distribution deal
February 13, 2023
By Colin Mann
All-electric single-seater racing series Formula E and Tata Communications have agreed a strategic multi-year relationship with the global commtech company becoming the Official Broadcast Distribution Provider to the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.
The new agreement will see Tata Communications deliver high-definition, high-resolution and high-speed live broadcast content to viewers around the world as part of Formula E’s new remote broadcast production of live races, reducing the environmental impact typical of major live international sports events on TV.
Tata Communications’ software-defined media edge platform will deliver more than 160 live video and audio signals from Formula E races across continents within milliseconds, using 26 media edge locations across North America, Europe and Asia.
The new super-fast race broadcast distribution will be supported by Tata Communications’ specially trained experts, providing round-the-clock global end-to-end managed services at all 16 races this season. Tata Communications and Formula E are also working together to further enrich experiences for motorsport fans with innovation and efficiency.
News of the deal came as Tata Communications made history with Formula E as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship raced in India for the first time.
“Tata Communications will play a critical part in Formula E’s live race broadcast production and distribution,” said Aarti Dabas, Chief Media Officer, Formula E. “With Tata Communications’ innovative technology and expertise, we will deliver an enhanced viewing experience for fans and improved service for our 40 plus broadcast partners. The seamless track connectivity provided by Tata Communications ensures that the on-track action is captured and distributed in real-time, elevating the broadcast to a whole new level. This relationship makes a positive contribution in our mission to create a more sustainable future, and further demonstrates Formula E’s technical ambition and commitment to innovation. We are excited to work with Tata Communications on this exciting journey.”
“Tata Communications is in a unique position to help businesses deliver on their promise of a greener future with a digital fabric of seamlessly integrated digital solutions,” added A.S Lakshminarayanan, MD and CEO, Tata Communications. “Our relationship with Formula E is another example of how we are enabling organisations with the power of technology to deliver ground-breaking entertainment in a sustainable and environmentally positive way. We are passionately evolving and innovating our solutions portfolio to allow Formula E to harness the power of digital and cloud with sustainability at the core.”
Tata Communications’ sustainable remote production solution will transmit and transfer live racing action from over 85 camera feeds and audio channels on each racetrack to Formula E’s central remote production hub in the UK.
The repackaged feeds are distributed to global rights holding broadcasters and digital platforms leveraging Tata Communications’ global edge infrastructure.