5G Broadcast envisioned as a key to the future of media distribution in Europe.
With its trusted free-to-air content, terrestrial television and radio are essential to European life according to the broadcast provider industry. Looking to 2040, terrestrial broadcasting is set to evolve with new capabilities that improve picture quality, expand access to mobile devices, and strengthen emergency communication. In the long term perspective 5G Broadcast will probably replace existing systems for digital terrestrial broadcasting as DVB-T2 for television and DAB for radio.
The report 5G BROADCAST HORIZONS FOR EUROPE prepared by South180 for Broadcast Network Europe presented at conference in Brussels paints a vision for the technology’s deployment in Europe. Read more here:
The report explains how 5G Broadcast works, highlights successful trials across the continent, and showcases its many use cases and benefits – from supporting media innovation to strengthening Europe’s resilience, creativity, and sustainability. The report also defines the roles of key stakeholders and sets out practical scenarios and recommended regulatory actions to make 5G Broadcast a reality.
The comprehensive report explains why 5G Broadcast matters for European citizens:
- Universal, free access: citizens can enjoy linear TV and radio on their smartphones, tablets, -and in-car systems without using their mobile data plans or needing a SIM card.
- Reliability in all situations: As it operates independently of mobile broadband networks, 5G Broadcast ensures uninterrupted access to news, entertainment, and emergency alerts, even if mobile networks are congested or during outages.
- Public safety: direct delivery of emergency warnings and vital information to all devices, thereby supporting European civil protection goals.
- No barriers, no discrimination: unlimited simultaneous users can access the same content, with no loss of quality or access restrictions.
- Expanded choice: 5G Broadcast has the potential to offer an alternative viewing solution for secondary and mobile homes.
- Seamless experience: users can instantly switch between streaming and broadcast services as they move, with no drop in quality of service.
- Additionally, 5G Broadcast enhances portable outdoor reception of content at high speeds, delivering greater convenience.
TV consumption on mobile devices is well-suited to situations such as commuting using both public transport and private vehicles, as well as to moments such as holidays and waiting times (at airports, train stations, etc.). 5G Broadcast is the tool to make this happen. Besides, given its technical characteristics, 5G Broadcast will help users save battery and data allowance — if their contracts have data caps — and also offer seamless switching with streaming services.
Most considerations relevant to TV services in this use case also apply to radio services. In fact, several 5G Broadcast trials have included radio, for example in Austria, the Czech Republic, France and the UK. It should also be noted that the European Association of Commercial Radio (AER, 2022) has supported 5G Broadcast trials. In times of crisis, it is also very important to ensure that citizens have secure and robust access to radio services.
Multiple trials across Europe have demonstrated that the technology is mature and ready for deployment
Since 2017 24 trials have been conducted in 18 countries across Europe. This has been possible thanks to the collaboration of 67 companies from 20 countries and across 10 sectors.In a scenario presented in the report 5G Broadcast will 2030 be active in 21 European countries will be active reaching a population 275,9 million varav 96,8 million are able to receive 5G Broadcast in their smartphones.
According to the report in order to deploy 5G Broadcast and deliver all its potential benefits for Europe, broadcast providers will need a support by European lawmakers:
- Making 5G Broadcast chipsets with reception capabilities in the UHF band mandatory in mobile devices, including vehicles.
- Requiring mobile network operators to enable free-to-air mode in devices containing 5G Broadcast chipsets.
Download the report
5G Broadcast Horizons For Europe (Report to Broadcast Network Europe by South180 - November 2025)
Also read
Terrestrial Broadcasting for Europe’s Digital Future - BNE Long Term Vision
A New Terrestrial Broadcasting Platform Envisioned
5G Broadcast Field Trials On Air in the Netherlands
Strong Support For Retaining Crucial Frequency Band for European Broadcasters