A groundbreaking initiative in the broadcast industry has emerged with the launch of EdgeBeam Wireless. Four major broadcast groups—the E.W. Scripps Company, Gray Media, Nexstar Media Group, and Sinclair—have joined forces to create this joint venture. Their goal? To leverage the capabilities of ATSC 3.0 technology to deliver nationwide data transmission services.
The launch, announced ahead of CES 2025 in Las Vegas, positions EdgeBeam Wireless to capitalize on several key market segments. The venture specifically targets automotive connectivity, content delivery networks (CDNs), and enhanced GPS applications. The projected market size is substantial, with estimates of $3.7 billion annually for automotive connectivity, $3.65 billion for CDNs, and $220 million for enhanced GPS services.
“The launch of EdgeBeam Wireless is the culmination of many years of technological advancement, market development and, importantly, recognition by government regulators of the expanded services local broadcasters can provide through ATSC 3.0 technology,” said Scripps President and CEO Adam Symson. This highlights the significant regulatory groundwork and technological maturity behind the project.
The service’s broad reach is a key selling point. EdgeBeam Wireless will deliver data to a wide range of devices equipped with an ATSC 3.0 receiver, including vehicles, drones, marine vessels, and mobile devices—both civilian and military. The companies intend to expand their partnerships with additional broadcasters to achieve true nationwide coverage.
“Our long-held belief is that the transmission of high-speed data via our broadcast infrastructure represents a new way forward for the broadcast industry and a new stream of potentially significant revenue,” said Nexstar Chairman and CEO Perry Sook. This statement underscores the financial potential and industry-transforming potential of the venture.
“This is a groundbreaking development for the broadcast industry,” said Sinclair President and CEO Chris Ripley. “EdgeBeam Wireless will have benefits for the entire wireless ecosystem, helping to relieve congestion while also offering competitive pricing for wide-area data distribution.” The potential for alleviating network congestion and offering competitive pricing is a major advantage.
Furthermore, the system’s robustness could serve as a critical backup for GPS systems in the event of satellite interference, adding a layer of security and resilience to vital U.S. infrastructure.