Austrian transmitter network operator ORS intends to carry out a test run with TV and radio channels in 5G Broadcast mode in Vienna.
Media authority KommAustria granted the corresponding approval. The pilot project is to be carried out via the two large transmitter sites in Vienna at Kahlenberg (pictured) and Liesing. The authority will allocate a channel in the 700MHz band from December 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 for the trial.
As with conventional radio (FM/DAB) and terrestrial television (DVB-T), 5G Broadcast enables the distribution of a ‘one to many’ signal in free-to-air mode for an unlimited number of 5G reception devices, including smartphones, tablets and TV sets – without data consumption, SIM card, authentication or mobile communications contract.
The only requirement is that the device has a chip that supports 5G Broadcast mode in addition to 5G.
The line-up will initially comprise TV channels ORF 1 and ORF 2 as well as radio stations Ö1, Ö3 and FM4, operated by public broadcaster ORF. Further broadcasters can participate in the test run.
