RTVE and Rohde & Schwarz unveil 5G broadcast trial in Barcelona

Spanish broadcaster RTVE has partnered with Rohde & Schwarz and several other technology partners to demonstrate 5G broadcast and multicast technology in Barcelona.

The trial, which goes live today, will see the team transmit a 5G live broadcast signal provided by RTVE to highlight a new live mobile experience across smartphones, tablets and other devices in central Barcelona.

The project is part of a series of worldwide proof of concept being carried out by Rohde & Schwarz, with the on-air signal transmitted on Spain’s channel 56 using 5MHz of 750-755MHz signal.

Rohde & Schwarz is providing the end-to-end 5G broadcast/multicast solution, which is 3GPP Rel. 14/15 compliant.

It uses the German firm’s 1.5 KW TMU9evo 5G Broadcast enabled transmitter, with its Broadcast Service and Control Center (BSCC1.0) playing the role of a core network.

• Read more: Can 5G technology fuel a revolution in the international terrestrial transmission market?

The content broadcasted through the Broadcast/Multicast over 5G trial includes both live and non-live 4K streams. The live content is provided by RTVE, the live radio channel “Radio 5” and the TV channel “Canal 24H” from RTVE (both channels dedicated to public service content).

A 4K promotional video will also air demonstrating the high quality of 4K imagery.

Alongside RTVE, Rohde and Schwarz have partnered with infrastructure provider Cellnex and RF technology provider Spinner for the trial, which will be broadcast from Collserola’s Tower Cellnex facilities.

Cellnex Telecom head of regulation Jaume Pujol said: “5G Broadcasting is a promising technology that could provide plenty of additional innovative services to citizens. Cellnex is always looking forward to explore future solutions for its customers.”

This is the latest 5G trial being carried out by Rohde and Schwarz, which is also running proof of concepts in Beijing, Rio, and Munich.

• Watch: Tech Expert: Inside 5G

Rohde & Schwarz vice president transmitter and amplifier systems Manfred Reitmeier said: “5G Multicast has some way to go before it becomes commercially available, but what the current and upcoming trials are proving is that this new technology could radically change the way people access high-quality digital media on the move – watch this space!”