Sweden’s state-owned telecommunications company, Teracom, has begun testing 5G Broadcast to distribute radio and television services in Stockholm. The pilot project is expected to run for at least two years and currently includes channels from public broadcasters SVT and Sveriges Radio.
Teracom says the project is intended to demonstrate how 5G Broadcast can be used to distribute media services, emergency information and other public-interest communications that require a high degree of resilience and security.
“Teracom has started pilot broadcasts with 5G Broadcast to show how the technology can be used for the distribution of media, important public announcements and other socially important information with high security requirements. The broadcasts are based on standard protocols, and the network technology is well-known and proven. 5G Broadcast can play an important role in preparedness, not least because it can be established with full national authority,” said Daniel Tisljarec, head of sales and innovation at Teracom.
According to Tisljarec, the technology can be deployed using existing infrastructure with relatively low additional costs. “The marginal costs are low for us to get this going. It is a very democratic technology. All it takes is a terminal that is equipped with 3GPP, meaning it can connect to a mobile network. You don’t need a subscription with an operator, and it is one-way. You can transmit both TV and radio services and also important public announcements with this as an alternative channel,” he said.
Teracom’s trial follows several 5G Broadcast projects launched in Asia, Europe and the United States. France has announced plans to expand 5G Broadcast coverage to reach a large proportion of its population, with deployment beginning this year. “We want to see momentum on this issue in other countries as well. With an increasingly uncertain global situation, society needs to invest in a technology that can reach everyone everywhere, even in times of crisis and war,” said Tisljarec.
These stories might interest you
NRJ awarded 20 regional FM licenses in Sweden
Radiodays Europe calls for collaboration on audio’s future
MIJ FM’s “French Corner” brings language learning to the airwaves
