French technology company TDF has launched of a 5G Broadcast certification platform aimed at structuring the ecosystem for free-to-air (FTA) television on mobile devices.
The initiative, the first of its kind in Europe, is designed to test and validate equipment interoperability, ultimately accelerating t adoption of the technology.
The platform is being deployed at TDF’s campus in Les Lilas, Seine-Saint-Denis, and will bring together broadcasters, equipment manufacturers, and chipset producers. The objective is to ensure seamless integration of 5G Broadcast technology, which allows smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices to receive linear TV channels without the need for Wi-Fi or mobile data. This approach provides a more efficient, environmentally friendly solution for high-density areas where traditional networks may experience congestion, according to TDF.
Following its successful large-scale 5G Broadcast trial during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – the first such deployment worldwide – TDF is continuing its commitment to the evolution of broadcasting technology using 5G Broadcast. The newly launched platform will support the progressive rollout of 5G Broadcast in France, benefiting both the broadcast industry and technology providers.
The certification facility at TDF’s technology campus will feature digital tools, standardised software, and validation protocols. The testing will cover a wide range of devices and solutions, including compatible smartphones and tablets, middleware and standalone software solutions, broadcast infrastructure equipment, monetisation technologies such as targeted advertising and interactive features, and mobile applications supporting 5G Broadcast services.
TDF aims to become a key player in validating and certifying 5G Broadcast equipment by leveraging international standards from 3GPP and DVB, along with insights from early pilot programmes. The certification process will include comprehensive testing protocols to ensure compliance with technical standards, evaluation of key criteria such as signal robustness, reception sensitivity, and energy efficiency, and the awarding of a certification label to ensure interoperability for broadcasters and manufacturers.
Beyond technical validation, the platform will also play a role in industrialising and scaling 5G Broadcast technology for commercial deployment. It will help define real-world use cases tailored to broadcasters’ needs, particularly as younger audiences increasingly consume content on mobile devices.
“We are proud to announce that the 5G Broadcast platform will be soon operational at our Les Lilas site. This milestone marks a crucial step in our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the needs of our clients and partners. With this initiative, as a broadcast network operator, TDF reaffirms its role as a pioneer in the evolution of broadcasting technologies and strengthens its contribution to shaping the future of mobile television. By bringing together industry players – including broadcast equipment manufacturers, chipset and OEM manufacturers, as well as software solution providers – we are paving the way for the next generation of broadcasting,” said Karim El Naggar, Head of Audiovisual & Networks at TDF.
