Launching today, Rohde & Schwarz has teamed up with telecoms provider Cellnex, and Spanish broadcaster RTVE, to transmit a 5G live broadcast.
The signal is being provided by RTVE, and the project aims to highlight a new mobile live experience to smartphones, tablets and a range of SIM-less devices across central Barcelona.
5G broadcasting has the potential to be one of the main pillars of next generation networking tech, as it offers MNOs (mobile network operators) and broadcasters huge opportunities in new business areas.
"the current and upcoming trials are proving is that this new technology could radically change the way people access high quality digital media."
Manfred Reitmeier, Rohde & Schwarz.
For example, via a 5G broadcast, operators will be able to deliver premium content to consumers on the move. The reliability and speed of 5G will enable a consistent broadcast, despite a user being on the go. However, 5G use cases such as this will rely on small cells being deployed across major transport routes, and considerable infrastructure upgrades.
“5G multicast has some way to go before it becomes commercially available, but what the current and upcoming trials are proving is that this new technology could radically change the way people access high quality digital media on the move – watch this space!” said Manfred Reitmeier, Vice President Transmitter and Amplifier Systems at Rohde & Schwarz.
End-to-end 5G broadcasting
Rohde & Schwarz aims to pioneer the development and implementation of this mobile live experience worldwide. The company has already carried out large-scale trials of its 5G broadcast system in Munich, Beijing, Rio de Janeiro and now Barcelona.
Rohde & Schwarz is providing the end-to-end 5G broadcast solution in Barcelona, using its 1.5 KW TMU9evo 5G broadcast-enabled transmitter (pictured above), with its Broadcast Service and Control Center (BSCC1.0) playing the role of a core network.
During the trial, the content broadcasted will include both live and non-live 4K streams. The live content will be provided by RTVE, including the live radio channel ‘Radio 5, and the TV channel ‘Canal 24H’.
”5G Broadcasting is a promising technology that could provide plenty of additional innovative services to citizens. Cellnex is always looking forward to explore future solutions for its customers,” commented Jaume Pujol, Head of Regulation at Cellnex Telecom.
