Ericsson has sealed a deal to provide mobile and IPTV solutions to the Volvo Ocean Race.
The firm said the solutions will allow this year's Volvo Ocean Race viewers to be updated with the latest developments via live mobile TV, or through IPTV in each race village, delivered by Ericsson.
Viewers will enjoy personalized coverage via a user-controlled camera interface offering multiple in-port race views - a breakthrough made possible by Ericsson's world leading technology.
The Volvo Ocean Race, the world's most grueling offshore yacht race, is held from October 2008 to June 2009.
The longest journey on this round-the-world marathon is a massive 12,300 nautical mile leg between Qingdao and Rio de Janerio. In-port races will be held at stopover points in Alicante, Singapore, Qingdao, Rio de Janeiro, Boston, Galway and Stockholm.
The Ericsson powered Volvo Ocean Race service will start in October and make sure the sailing fans never have to leave the race. They can take the latest information and entertainment services with them wherever they are in the world.
After the in-port segments of the Volvo Ocean Race in Alicante, Spain, viewers can use a camera selection feature to follow the boat of their choice. The service also employs first-rate features such as fast-channel switching.