A significant step towards the first commercial 5G Broadcast service across Europe is underway. The 5G Broadcast Strategic Task Force (5BSTF), comprising Media Broadcast (Germany), TDF (France), Cordiant Capital (UK), Emitel (Poland), CRA (Czech Republic), BTCY (Belgium), and RAI (Italy), supported by Rohde & Schwarz (Germany), is developing a joint commercial roadmap. This initiative covers six European markets, reaching over 270 million people.
Launched in September 2024 by Media Broadcast (MB) and TDF, along with Rohde & Schwarz, 5BSTF aims to demonstrate 5G Broadcast market readiness and facilitate the launch of the first commercial networks. Cordiant Capital, Emitel, České Radiokomunikace (CRA), and Belgium Tower Company (BTCY), joined later, alongside RAI.
The 5BSTF anticipates a new market emerging from Q2 2027. Participating Broadcast Network Operators will adapt their existing infrastructure for 5G Broadcast network connectivity. This will allow content providers and broadcasters to offer specialized services, primarily live and linear audiovisual content. “We are glad to see private Broadcast Network Operators participating in the Task Force are ready to leverage the existing DTT infrastructure to enable the world’s first 5G Broadcast network connectivity, hence paving the way towards the broadcasting modernisation and transforming the broadcasting business landscape,” stresses the 5BSTF team.
5G Broadcast offers enhanced multimedia services with reduced latency and improved Quality of Service, resulting in a better Quality of Experience. It brings DTT video quality to smartphones and tablets. The technology boasts a simplified, environmentally friendly infrastructure, minimizing CO2 emissions and enabling zero-rated content consumption with extended battery life.