Emitel, the operator of the broadcasting infrastructure, in cooperation with Telewizja Puls, has started a test broadcast of a signal in 5G Broadcast technology in Warsaw. It is the first project of its kind in Poland. It utilises terrestrial broadcast infrastructure to transmit a TV signal in one-way (broadcast) mode, requiring no mobile network, with no need to log on to the internet and no SIM card.
As part of the tests, Emitel broadcasts the signal of TV Puls and PULS2 programmes. The broadcasting uses Emitel facilities in the Warsaw agglomeration. The project has a pilot character and serves to assess the technological capabilities and future implementation potential of the new TV standard.
The applications of the technology are wide-ranging, from free mobile TV and live HD broadcasting, digital radio and software updates to emergency notification systems. It will also be possible to combine 5G Broadcast with interactive services thanks to a hybrid broadcast + broadband model, enabling, for example, the provision of complementary content available on demand or the personalisation of advertising.
5G Broadcast could also contribute to the offloading of mobile networks and play a crucial role in developing services for autonomous vehicles and smart cities. Experts emphasise that this technology will become a core tool in the arsenal of broadcasters, telecom operators and streaming platforms in the coming years.
The technology enables content distribution to an unlimited number of receiving devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and car receivers, without the necessity to establish individual connections. Reception is possible even under conditions of network congestion or temporary unavailability, making 5G Broadcast a uniquely interesting solution for mass broadcasts, live events or emergencies.
– From the perspective of an infrastructure provider, this is a crucial step towards the development of broadcasting services in the new standard. 5G Broadcast allows us to leverage our experience in terrestrial broadcasting and adapt it to changing technological conditions and new end-user expectations – says Maciej Pilipczuk, President of the Management Board of Emitel S.A.
Telewizja Puls is the first broadcaster in Poland to decide to test 5G Broadcast technology in field conditions.
– We examine solutions to reach audiences in a new way, without the need for the internet or streaming apps. 5G Broadcast gives us the possibility to broadcast our content directly on mobile devices, which, from the broadcaster’s point of view, means a new distribution channel and potentially a broader reach in the future, said Dariusz Dąbski, CEO of Puls Television.
5G Broadcast technology is currently being tested in more than a dozen European countries, including Germany, France, Austria and the Czech Republic. Experts emphasise that broadcast solutions are a natural complement to mobile broadcasting services, especially in the context of live event broadcasting, public and long-range mobile services and crisis communications.
