Technology for smartphone use
One year after the success of the 5G Broadcast Live Test launched during the Summer 2024 events and festivities, the world's first large-scale 5G Broadcast experiment, industry players are sending a clear message to manufacturers: the demand for 5G Broadcast-compatible terminals is real, driven by a united and rapidly structuring ecosystem. This momentum is designed to accelerate technological integration into production chains and ensure widespread adoption.
5G Broadcast provides a direct response to the new uses identified in a groundbreaking survey conducted by Kantar for TDF in January 2025. The results showed a strong appetite among the French, particularly 15-49 year olds, for watching live TV on cell phones, especially in transport. 5G Broadcast thus appears to be a strategic solution for meeting these emerging uses, while ensuring the modernization and sovereignty of this broadcast model.
In particular, 5G broadcast will enable us to reach younger generations by adapting to their uses while offering a pluralistic, regulated, sober and secure media offering.
Thinking about 5G Broadcast deployment
During its workstreams, the working group studied the various modalities likely to enable deployment in France, and set them out in the white paper: deployment strategy, technical configurations, audiovisual offering, regulatory framework and timetable for the introduction of 5G Broadcast. The full range of conditions for this launch has therefore been reviewed collectively to bring a coherent and aligned vision.
As France and the European Union prepare to update their report on the use of DTT, with a view to extending the allocation of the guaranteed frequency resource to DTT until 2031, this white paper provides a substantial basis for consolidating DTT modernization and frequency use strategies. It underscores the advantages of robust, open and resilient terrestrial broadcasting, which complements IP networks, enabling them to be de-saturated during peak periods.
Like the improved picture quality made possible by Ultra High Definition (UHD), 5G Broadcast is a key element in the modernization of the DTT platform.
Pascale Varnière, Director of the Audiovisual BU, declares:
"This white paper on 5G Broadcast marks a new stage for DTT. This technology responds to the new uses of television, while guaranteeing reliable and sovereign broadcasting. Modernizing DTT must be a priority to ensure access to information for all, support innovation and preserve our independence from the major platforms. TDF is fully committed to supporting this evolution for the benefit of all.