Frank Copsidas, CEO, Xgen Network/5G Broadcast Collective discussed how 5G Broadcast can be a game changer for operators and MVNOs.
What is 5G Broadcast?
Simply put, it’s direct-to-mobile broadcasting. This means taking traditional over-the-air television broadcasts - the ones typically viewed at home - and using those frequencies to deliver 5G Broadcast signals directly to smartphones.
Unlike cellular networks or satellites, 5G Broadcast operates as an independent platform. The technology is already integrated into mobile chips; it simply requires enabling the necessary filters. Using the eMBMS platform, the broadcast signal travels directly from a tower to a smartphone, bypassing SIM cards and other intermediaries.
Frank Copsidas - Xgen Network/5G Broadcast Collective (FC): “This independence is a key advantage. For instance, 5G Broadcast continues to function even when cellular service is unavailable. From a broadcaster's perspective, adopting this technology is straightforward. For example, as a US broadcaster operating nine television stations, I’ve seen how seamless the transition can be. Current broadcasting standards like ATSC, DVB-T/DVB-T2, or ISDB-T can be upgraded to 5G Broadcast by replacing the exciter and modulator software with an OFDM transmitter, a process that takes just a few hours. Once updated, broadcasting directly to smartphones can commence.”
Proofs of concept
Frank explained that the concept is still relatively new. It first emerged around 2007 when Qualcomm introduced MediaFLO, which was 3G MBMS-based. However, it was ahead of its time and failed to gain traction. Now, the technology is making a comeback. Over the past year, momentum has been building, with trials and demonstrations taking place globally.
One notable example occurred this summer in Europe, where TDF and France Télévisions showcased 5G Broadcast during the Olympics. They distributed 250 Xiaomi phones to influencers and industry professionals to demonstrate the technology’s capabilities. Following this, pop-up events have been held across France to raise awareness. France has committed to a phased rollout of 5G Broadcast, with TDF aiming for implementation between 2028 and 2030, making it the first major country to announce such plans.
Elsewhere, demonstrations have been conducted across Asia, and significant milestones have been achieved in the Americas. For instance, in the United States, on 13th September 2023, XGN launched the world’s first 24/7 5G Broadcast station in Boston on WWOT-TV, utilising Rohde & Schwarz technology. The focus now is on working with the FCC to approve the concept and secure its future success.
Xgen Network/5G Broadcast Collective work
XGN comprises several divisions:
XGN Red focuses on solutions for first responders
XGN Broadcast owns and operates broadcast stations
XGN Tech develops various components of the 5G Broadcast ecosystem. Recently, they received the world’s first 5G smartphone optimised for 5G Broadcast. This prototype is expected to launch commercially by the first quarter of this year. XGN Tech manages both software and hardware development
XGN Global assists other countries in implementing 5G Broadcast
5G Broadcast Collective is an NGO aimed at uniting the community. The collective focuses on collaboration, research, education, and lobbying. Recently, they released a working paper outlining minimum standards for a 5G Broadcast smartphone
FC: “One focus was streaming a channel to a broadcast station and the other was emergency alerts. For the streaming aspect, we serve as the US distributors for France 24. In this capacity, we streamed France 24 content in 4K - though we claimed it was 1080p. The 4K stream used just 1.8 Mbps of bandwidth. We can now achieve 720p streaming with only 600 Kbps of bandwidth and are on the verge of reducing it further to 300 Kbps for a 720p picture. On a smartphone and a 65 inch television, the picture looked excellent.
Adding another layer of complexity, we can also integrate this into Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). During a demonstration, we connected the CPE to a 4K TV, and the picture was pristine - even inside a warehouse. Admittedly, we had concerns about whether it would work indoors, so we rented a tent to conduct the demonstration outdoors. However, the indoor setup worked perfectly, rendering the tent unnecessary.”
Frank continued that on 1st September 2023, they completed their first proof of concept. The second proof of concept is scheduled for the first quarter of this year. While 2024 has been primarily a year of development, significant progress has been made.
What opportunities does it present for MNOs and MVNOs?
Offloading and data delivery for MNOs and MVNOs can be achieved at a third of the cost of traditional cellular services with 5G Broadcast technology. For example, if a potential client in the United States has 4,000 phones requiring nightly updates with evacuation plans. Cellular networks cannot efficiently handle delivering data to all 4,000 devices, but 5G Broadcast can accomplish this task seamlessly and at a significantly reduced cost. Additionally, 5G Broadcast is a more sustainable solution, as it minimises the energy consumption associated with transmitting data through individual cellular networks.
Unlike regional standards, 5G Broadcast is a global standard that operates universally and can be accessed by smartphones, CPE devices, or any equipment with a 5G Broadcast-enabled modem. In January of the upcoming year, a leading TV manufacturer is set to release a television equipped with a built-in 5G Broadcast-enabled chip. This technology utilises MBMS and, with planned enhancements incorporating MBMS, will offer more than a 50% improvement in robustness. Moreover, in extreme emergencies when cellular networks fail, 5G Broadcast remains operational, ensuring critical communication can continue uninterrupted.
So, what’s next?
The current status of 5G Broadcast is very much in its early stages of development. It is related to a number of factors:
Device compatibility
At present, there isn’t a single commercially available device optimised for true 5G Broadcast capability. The phone that Frank presented was the first prototype specifically optimised for 5G Broadcast. However, by next year, commercial devices will be available. Companies like Xiaomi, Motorola, and OnePlus already have development phones in progress.
Network build-out
The necessary networks are just beginning to be established. Countries like Germany, Italy, Poland, New Zealand, and Australia are starting to develop their infrastructures. Mexico recently conducted trials.
Regulatory challenges
Regulators in each country must permit the use of specific frequencies for 5G Broadcast, and the rules vary from one region to another.
Slow progress
A working version (v1.0) of the 5G Broadcast receiver profile was released on 1st November. However, it’s still minimal in scope. Qualcomm chips already support MBMS; the functionality just needs to be licensed. Of course, Qualcomm charges for this, which isn’t surprising.
FC: “However, things are shifting. The rollout is set to begin next year, and by 2026, 5G broadcasting is expected to gain significant traction and widespread adoption. To establish a foothold in the US MVNO ecosystem and integrate our phones effectively, we have initiated X1 Mobile. Although it hasn't launched yet, we are actively working on it with an exceptional team and anticipate its launch shortly after the start of the new year. X1 Mobile will focus entirely on supporting 5G Broadcast.”
Partnerships and opportunities
XGN is actively pursuing early-stage partnerships with MNOs and MVNOs for the exclusive distribution of 5G Broadcast-enabled smartphones, one of three models currently in development and expected to be available in the first half of next year. Additionally, XGN offers the option to partner with MNOs or MVNOs to facilitate distribution. For instance, if a broadcaster expresses interest in these phones, XGN can connect them with the appropriate MNO or MVNO partner.
First Responder Certification: All MNOs and MVNOs partnering with XGN must hold the necessary certifications to work with first responders.
Public safety and commercial solutions: Beyond smartphones, XGN's partners will also receive exclusive rights to 5G Broadcast-enabled CPE devices currently under development. These solutions are tailored for public safety and commercial applications, with a particular emphasis on supporting first responders.
Key takeaways: 5G Broadcast presents an exciting opportunity for MVNOs, enabling them to explore innovative business models beyond traditional cellular services. This technology allows MVNOs to offer direct-to-mobile broadcasting, integrating mobile services into various industries like media, public safety, and emergency communications. By adopting 5G Broadcast, MVNOs can provide cost-effective, sustainable solutions that enhance customer experiences and create new revenue streams.