Is 5G The Next Big Thing For Broadcasters?

Every day the next generation wireless technology 5G is in the news or being advertised. It’s expected to “change lives” with faster data rates and better connectivity than 4G. So, broadcasters might want to pay attention to the innovative features that 5G brings.

Why 5G?

Imagine being able to download a two-hour movie to a mobile device in less than ten seconds. That’s an example of how fast 5G networks are—10 to 100 times faster than 4G LTE where it would take several minutes. 5G provides greater bandwidth to handle more connected devices with better quality and availability.

What does 5G mean for broadcasters?

In an age of mobile connectivity, consumers expect to quickly access media content anytime and anywhere with the same high quality across devices. Broadcasters can increase their coverage with 5G allowing them to reach mobile devices directly, free to air, even when a mobile SIM card is not available. The new 5G standards provide for broadcasters to operate on dedicated 5G networks independent of mobile operators. Some key advantages of the 5G broadcast/broadband convergence are the ability to offload live content, an unlimited number of users and better quality of experience (QoE).

Ninety-two percent of broadcasters say they are ready to adopt 5G inside their own services within the next two years according to a study by Nevion.

Broadcasters and operators are currently using complementary standards to position ATSC 3.0 as 5G broadcast. Broadcasters are looking for opportunities to leverage their assets such as spectrum, content and reach to remain relevant into the future according to Mark A. Aitken, Sinclair Broadcast Group/ONE Media (IEEE BMSB 2019). (VIDEO)

How is 5G being deployed?

LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast Release 17, rescheduled for the middle of 2021, will incorporate 5G Broadcast which relies on a more versatile 5G core designed to make digital TV delivery over existing mobile networks possible.

By 2025, it is estimated that half of mobile connections will be 5G (the rest will be older tech, like 4G and 3G) according to industry trade group GSMA.

How is monitoring affected?

A comprehensive monitoring and analysis toolset, such as Qligent’s Vision platform, checks media content from origination to the last mile. Leveraging virtual probes, cloud and on-premises deployment, Vision monitors content delivery and compliance at any point in the distribution chain ensuring the best quality experience for viewers across multiple platforms.