Ceske Radiokomunikace (CRA) expects that commercial operation of 5G Broadcasting could begin in the Czech Republic in 2027. Marcel Procházka, director of CRA's legal and regulatory department, said this at a meeting with journalists and partners on Wednesday. Radiokomunikace began testing 5G Broadcasting in 2022 and expects testing and preparation for the launch of commercial broadcasting to continue into next year and beyond.
According to CRA CEO Miloš Mastník, developments in the 5G field are moving forward rapidly. Mobile devices that support 5G Broadcasting are on the rise. In addition to Xiaomi, where 5G can be tracked, Motorola is also joining in, and Samsung is close to launching 5G Broadcasting support.
5G Broadcasting, the essence of which is the delivery of multimedia content to a mobile phone without it being connected, is a new broadcasting standard that takes advantage of DVB-T2. However, this does not mean that it should replace DVB-T2, the two types of broadcasting can complement each other. It is supposed to be up to 11 times more energy efficient than existing IPTV or mobile streaming. Indeed, each mobile phone today generates one stream, which can put pressure on mobile network capacity. "In 5G, it is transmitted only once and an unlimited number of people can watch the broadcast," Procházka explained. In the future, it may also replace mobile networks for linear TV transmission, including the ability to switch to non-linear mode.
Source: CRAAccording to Procházka, three conditions must be met for the testing to turn into commercial operation. A business model for 5G Broadcasting needs to be found, while a broadcast network needs to be prepared, as well as sufficient penetration of mobile devices supporting the new broadcast standard. Ceske Radiokomunikace is ready to invest in the expansion of the network and is also counting on the construction of new transmitters. In spring 2025, they plan to apply to the CTO for approval to further test 5G Broadcasting. They also believe that the benefits of the broadcasting standard will attract partners with whom CRA could develop the project.
"We see 5G Broadcast technology as one of the paths for future terrestrial digital television broadcasting. It will enable reception of broadcasts on mobile phones, even in areas without a signal from conventional mobile networks, which increases both the possibilities of informing in crisis situations and, for example, watching TV content while travelling," says Miloš Mastník, CEO of CRA. "At the same time, TV content will become more accessible to younger generations who are used to watching anything on a mobile screen," he adds.
CRA is currently testing 5G Broadcast from the Praha Žižkov transmitter. The test is taking place in the duplex gap of the 700 MHz band, on the 742 MHz frequency with a power of 32 kW. The test stream includes broadcasts of CT 24 and CNN Prima News and covers Prague and part of Central Bohemia.
Source: mediaguru.cz
