Antoine Bru, Project Engineer, Software Development, EBU T&I, at MWC25 in Barcelona
This demonstration underscored the integration of edge computing with hybrid satellite and 5G networks, aiming to deliver efficient, scalable, and secure media streaming services.
The EBU’s showcase featured an end-to-end solution that merges satellite-native IP streaming with advanced 5G edge cloud technologies. By utilising satellite delivery for popular content, this approach reduces the burden on unicast capacity in backhaul networks and content delivery networks (CDNs).
Depending on base station configurations, content distribution to subscribers can be achieved through 5G NR Unicast, 5G Multicast, or 5G Broadcast methods. The demonstration incorporated the 5G Media Streaming Architecture (3GPP TS 26.501) and leveraged open-source components from the 5G-MAG Reference Tools development programme.
This 5G edge-based streaming platform exemplifies the EBU’s “Multilayer, Anywhere, Resilient, and Sustainable” (M.A.R.S.) distribution strategy, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to pioneering advancements in media delivery infrastructure.
Coordinated by the EBU and supported by the European Space Agency’s ARTES programme, the 5G-EMERGE project is structured into two phases, each spanning two years. Phase 1, which concluded in late 2024 with 25 consortium partners, focused on developing prototypes and testbeds for various media use cases, including direct-to-home, direct-to-vehicle, and direct-to-edge applications.
Phase 2, involving 33 partners and set to conclude in late 2026, aims to introduce direct-to-device multicast and broadcast media services, enhance key technology components for market adoption, and explore integration with emerging 5G NR-NTN networks.
In its second phase, 5G-EMERGE has expanded its consortium from 21 to 34 companies, reflecting a strong commitment to transforming content distribution. This phase emphasises advancing core technologies to market readiness, focusing on the specific needs of ‘anchor customers.’
The consortium aims to develop edge services optimised for home reception, direct-to-vehicle access, and nomadic applications, while facilitating extensive 5G-network integration. Additionally, the project will explore service models enabled by NR-NTN, a new standard for direct 5G satellite-to-mobile communication.
