French infrastructure operator TDF is aiming to help broadcasters, technology vendors and chipset producers pave the way for the next generation of media delivery with the launch of a 5G Broadcast certification platform.
The platform, which has been deployed at the company’s campus in Les Lilas, Seine-Saint-Denis, France, is designed to test, validate, and structure the ecosystem of the technology, aiming to ensure equipment interoperability and accelerate market adoption.
5G Broadcast enables smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices to receive linear TV content without the need for Wi-Fi or mobile data consumption, providing a high-performance, eco-friendly alternative, even in areas of high congestion or network saturation, said the company.
The platform will enable users to test a wide range of devices and solutions, including:
- Compatible smartphones and tablets (sensitivity, reception, and software compatibility evaluation).
- Middleware and standalone software solutions.
- Broadcast infrastructure equipment.
- Monetisation technologies, including targeted advertising and interactive features.
- Mobile applications.
The certification process is based on modular and rigorous testing protocols to ensure compliance with technical standards, said TDF.
It will also include the evaluation of critical criteria, such as signal robustness, reception sensitivity, energy efficiency, and environmental impact.
Speaking about the platform, Karim El Naggar, head of audiovisual and networks at TDF, said: “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.”
TDF helped France Télévisions create a dedicated 5G bubble used for the broadcaster’s coverage of the Flamme Olympique as it travelled around France ahead of last summer’s Olympic Games.
