LVRTC Gathers Industry Experts for 5G TV and Radio Broadcast Technology Tests

Technology tests are an essential requirement for the thoughtful, meaningful, and sustainable introduction of new technologies. This was the shared opinion of mobile network operators, communications industry experts, and media representatives who gathered today at the Zaķusala TV Tower for the event “5G Broadcast Garage,” organized by Latvia State Radio and Television Center (LVRTC).

As previously reported, LVRTC is currently conducting tests on TV and radio signal distribution using 5G broadcast technology. 5G technology can also be used to distribute TV and radio signals. While people can already access multimedia applications or websites on their smart devices using mobile data services, watching TV content this way consumes a large amount of data. Additionally, in high-traffic situations such as mass events, the signal may become unstable.

Broadcasting TV and radio signals with 5G broadcast technology can significantly reduce mobile network data usage and ease the load on mobile infrastructure. 5G also reduces the delay between sending and receiving signals, which is especially important for live TV broadcasts, sports events, and interactive applications where real-time viewing is crucial.

The goal of the ongoing technology tests is to assess the potential of this technology in Latvia and to encourage discussions among industry stakeholders and relevant institutions about its implementation, benefits, and challenges. The tests are conducted in collaboration between LVRTC engineers, industry experts, and the academic sector.

During the tests, both Latvian Television channels and three Latvian Radio stations—LR1, LR2, and LR5—are being broadcast via 5G. Additionally, text notifications are being sent through 5G broadcast, which is one of its functionalities.

In the “5G Broadcast Garage,” industry experts worked in groups to find answers to three key questions:

• Can 5G broadcasting deliver content from Latvian media to small screens for audiences who do not regularly watch TV?
• How can 5G broadcasting help reduce the load on mobile networks while still providing high-quality video and audio content?
• How can 5G broadcasting be used in situations where mobile networks are unavailable, but information needs to be delivered to the public?

“In social media and digital platforms, younger audiences continue to grow, so it is crucial to explore ways to enhance and expand content delivery to them. We see 5G broadcasting as an opportunity to create more diverse content across multiple channels. Some topics interest niche audiences, and as a public broadcaster, we should ensure those interests are met. 5G would allow us to create parallel content delivery channels and reach new media audiences,” explained Ingemārs Vekteris, a Board Member of Latvijas Sabiedriskais medijs, who led the discussion on expanding media content delivery using new technologies.

“The use of 5G broadcasting could reduce the amount of data handled by mobile operators by at least 15%, which is a significant benefit. However, when planning development, we must consider that consumers currently do not have smartphones capable of receiving 5G broadcasts. Full implementation of this technology requires market research on the availability of such devices,” emphasized Ingmārs Pūķis, Vice President of Latvijas Mobilais telefons. His workgroup focused on the technological aspects of data transmission and ways to reduce the volume of transmitted data, which is particularly relevant for live broadcasts of sports and other events.

“It is important to explore technological solutions for situations where mobile networks may be unavailable. People have already experienced this during autumn storms, and the disruption highlights the need for new and innovative ways to deliver information. 5G broadcasting ensures content availability even in cases where internet access is not possible. This function must be analyzed and its potential applications evaluated,” emphasized LVRTC Chairman Ģirts Ozols.

The event also featured Estonian company Levira, whose engineers shared their experience. Levira provides TV and radio broadcasting in Estonia and is currently running the 5G broadcast project “Pocket Siren,” which tests how 5G broadcasting can be used for public alerts in crisis situations.

The 5G broadcast tests began a week ago and will continue until the end of March.

Currently, only a small number of phones on the European market support 5G broadcast reception. The latest models from major smartphone brands theoretically support 5G TV broadcasts, but reception requires specific frequency compatibility and manufacturer-provided applications. Most of these smartphones are not yet available in Latvia. LVRTC will use specialized smartphones with custom software for reception tests but does not rule out that some individuals may own devices capable of receiving, for example, text notifications. LVRTC invites anyone who successfully receives a 5G broadcast test notification to report it at 5Gapraide.lv.

Technology testing is common in the ICT industry, and LVRTC regularly conducts trials on various technological platforms and solutions to evaluate their application across different industries and specific situations.

For example, when developing a solution to improve border surveillance, the initial tests began in 2017, evaluating various technological solutions, testing optics and sensors, and constructing several test sites. This made it possible to ensure that the solution is applicable in Latvia. Currently, alongside 5G broadcast tests, LVRTC is also testing a mobile application developed as part of the European Digital Identity Wallet pilot project. The digital wallet is a mobile app where residents will be able to store their essential daily-use data and submit it to various online systems when needed.