5G Broadcast technology, ushering in a new era for smartphones and other mobile devices, is rapidly spreading in Europe. This system, which aims to deliver quota-free, free-to-air television to 250 million people by 2027, operates using existing TV towers. The technology, which is also being tested in Turkey, is scheduled for commercialization in the second quarter of 2027.
5G Broadcast Will Turn Mobile Phones Into TVs
Today, online broadcasts establish a dedicated connection for each user, which consumes mobile data allowances. However, 5G Broadcast operates like traditional television broadcasts, broadcasting simultaneously from a single source to millions of receivers.
You are merely the receiver, so you cannot send data back. This system uses traditional frequencies like UHF and FM, but it provides much more efficient and higher-quality broadcasts. This makes it possible to watch broadcasts without interruption or interference, even on devices without an antenna.
Broadcast operators in countries like Italy, France, Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Belgium are adapting their infrastructure to this new technology. Unlike mobile network operators, these companies operate television and radio towers.
5G broadcast technology isn’t limited to smartphones. Cars, tablets, smartwatches, and TV sets will also be able to receive this broadcast. Devices can even be produced that can only receive radio broadcasts and don’t even have a screen. For example, a 5G chip integrated into the boxes of fully wireless headphones will make it possible to listen to the radio through headphones.
One of the most vital features of this technology is emergency broadcasts. In the event of a natural disaster or crisis, warnings and notifications will be sent to everyone simultaneously. This feature will save lives in situations where internet infrastructure may fail.
The system can also be integrated with the internet. If a user leaves a 5G broadcast coverage area, they can automatically continue broadcasting over the internet. In this case, data will be deducted from their internet quota. It will also be possible to interact with interactive segments like voting or live commentary using a small amount of internet data.
