At IBC2025, NPO and Broadcast Partners are showcasing a live 5G Broadcast transmission, highlighting the latest developments in over-the-air media delivery and announcing a nationwide field trial in the Netherlands set to begin in Q4 this year.
5G Broadcast enables live TV, radio and media content to be transmitted over-the-air directly to smartphones without consuming mobile data and without dependencies on mobile telecom networks. The technology uses a separate frequency band to efficiently deliver one signal to all users simultaneously. As the spreading of the media works completely independent from the internet and mobile infrastructures, the technology is excellent for future emergency communications; and is already compatible with the current LTE (Further Enhanced) standard and can be integrated into future smartphones with relative ease.
From September 12 to 15, the TV channel NPO 1 and radio station NPO 3FM will be broadcast from the 150m high Cellnex RAI Amsterdam tower. The signal will be receivable both indoors and outdoors on compatible devices throughout the IBC venue.
The demonstration is technically facilitated by Cellnex’ Broadcast Partners, in collaboration with Nakolos and TRedess, who provide the infrastructure, software, and hardware for the complete 5G Broadcast setup.
Jildert de Groot, Chief Technology Officer at NPO: “5G Broadcast delivers live media to smartphones without using mobile data and ensures reliable communication, especially in emergencies. Together with the Dutch regulator RDI, Broadcast Partners and Cellnex Netherlands, we will launch a synchronized, year-long 5G Broadcast field trial across multiple high-tower locations starting in Q4 2025. This marks a significant step toward future nationwide deployment.”
