The 5G-MAG Steering Group has approved the memberships of Astrum Mobile and Yotta Media. About Astrum Mobile Astrum is a new-generation mobile satellite telecom operator. It utilizes the revolutionary GEO-LEO-5G and broadcast-unicast Converged technology to deliver broadband Internet and multimedia experience “satellite-direct-to-device” with unprecedented ubiquitous coverage, unlimited data content, and low data cost. Learn more about Astrum Mobile: https://www.astrum-mobile.com/ About Yotta Media Founded in 2016, Yotta was born from a vision to provide bespoke, scalable platform solutions to a global audience. Trusted by the world’s leading TV operators and CE manufacturers, Yotta leads the way with innovation at its core. The company develops cloud-based products for operators and service providers along with interactive applications. Learn more about Yotta Media: https://www.yotta.work/ Learn more about our members and how to join 5G-MAG

The future of mobile communication is taking center stage as industry leaders gather in Incheon, South Korea, for 3GPP's 6G workshop. Hosted from March 10th to 11th, the event agenda is packed with critical discussions aimed at establishing a clear roadmap for 6G. The workshop commenced with a joint session featuring an update on the 3GPP's 6G study status and a broad exploration of the overall vision and priorities for the upcoming technology. 5G-MAG , as the 3GPP Market Representation Partner for MEDIA services and applications, was given the floor to present its work in consolidating requirements around next-generation MEDIA and CONNECTIVITY . 5G-MAG's presentation was delivered by David Vargas, from the BBC, who acts as the rapporteur of the Work Item that developed the process to gather and consolidate input from members on 6G Media. He was joined by Roland Beutler and Victor Kueh, 5G-MAG Vice-Chairs, and many 5G-MAG members present in the room. The rapid escalation of mobile data traffic, spurred by the proliferation of streaming services, the advent of immersive media, and the expansion of user-generated and professional content creation, positioning next-generation connectivity, 6G, as key to drive innovative applications, unlock diverse monetization opportunities, and deliver substantial advancements in scalability, cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency, and security. All the details around 5G-MAG's presentation can be found in the following slides: https://www.3gpp.org/ftp/workshop/2025-03-10_3GPP_6G_WS/Docs/6GWS-250137.zip Following this, the workshop split into parallel sessions. One session, led by TSG RAN, delved into the vision and priorities for next-generation radio technology. Simultaneously, TSGs SA and CT hosted a session focused on the vision and priorities for next-generation system architecture, core networks, and protocols. The culmination of the workshop is a final joint session, where key takeaways and a comprehensive summary are presented.

Download (PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OJkHzjXeI9SrlXE98D7kxdD7b_m6dxXS/view?usp=share_link 3GPP Release 17 brings Multicast–Broadcast Services (MBS) to the 5G System, based on 5G Core and New Radio. MBS allows the network to select the most suitable among point-to-multipoint (PTM) or point-to-point (PTP) delivery based on requirements set by either service providers or network operators and/or taking into account concurrent user demand. Multicast Services A Multicast Service uses PTM and/or PTP delivery methods to transport traffic from a single source to User Equipment (UE) terminals within a multicast service area that have subscribed to the service. Multicast traffic is efficiently and reliably transported over the 5G core network to compatible base stations using the shared traffic delivery method. The individual traffic delivery method can serve multicast traffic to legacy base stations that do not support MBS. MBS-enabled base stations autonomously decide whether to use PTM or PTP delivery methods at the radio access network based on the number of concurrent subscriptions and the quality of the radio channel. To receive Multicast Services, UEs must first subscribe to a multicast group. Base stations 1 and 2 use the PTM delivery method to serve subscribed UEs within their reception footprints. Base station 2 additionally uses the PTP delivery method to serve UEs that require more robust delivery. Base station 3 (not supporting MBS) can deliver multicast packets via a conventional unicast PDU session unique to each subscribed UE. Broadcast Services A Broadcast Service uses only the PTM delivery method to transport traffic from a single source to multiple UEs within a broadcast service area. Any UE within the broadcast service area that has registered with the network can receive Broadcast Services. A single copy of the MBS traffic is efficiently transported over the 5G core network to each MBS-compatible base station in the service area using the shared traffic delivery method. A Broadcast Service is available to compatible UEs within the broadcast service area, always using the PTM delivery method. What kinds of service could be offered with 5G MBS? MBS supports the delivery of both operator and third-party media content. In particular, MBS User Services allow popular online television and radio services (e.g. live sport or national events) to be delivered efficiently to compatible equipment such as smartphones, smart TVs or car infotainment systems. Broadcast is suitable for localized services at the granularity of individual cells (e.g. services in venues, stadiums, exhibition centres). Multicast allows the efficient and scalable delivery of popular services while ensuring a similar quality of service (QoS) and reliability to that of unicast distribution. Quality of experience is independent of audience size and network congestion is mitigated. Multicast allows a group of UEs to receive services according to QoS requirements and/or prevailing channel conditions. Additional characteristics To minimize implementation impact and complexity, MBS reuses the existing (3GPP Release 15/16) radio-layer design for physical channels, reference signals, and sub-carrier spacings and cyclic prefixes. How is the coverage area of a service determined? For both Multicast and Broadcast Services, individual cells may be added to or removed from the service area. The Multicast Service is transmitted only in cells within the multicast service area in which there are UEs that have joined an MBS session. Cells within the broadcast service area transmit the Broadcast Service regardless of whether the service is requested or not. For multicast, link adaptation selects the most appropriate modulation and coding scheme (MCS). Beamforming is optimized for the UEs in the multicast group. For broadcast, each service is pre-assigned an MCS, as there is no channel-state information feedback from UEs. Single frequency network (SFN) operation is possible across sectors of the same base station for multicast. For broadcast, SFNs can be implemented across base stations that are sufficiently close to each other, transparent to UEs. How is reliability of reception managed? For multicast, provision of UE feedback, support of retransmissions using PTP or PTM, link adaptation, and beamforming, among other mechanisms, ensure reliability. For broadcast, services are delivered with no guarantee of reception, however data repetition (slot-level) is possible for improved performance. How are mobility and service continuity managed? For multicast, service continuity across cells is supported by handover between the base stations a UE traverses. For broadcast, neighbour-cell information and cell-reselection mechanisms are available but may not ensure lossless handover. Can MBS services be transmitted together with other types of traffic on the 5G network? Mixed radio carriers can deliver multicast and/or broadcast services alongside other unicast data on the same cell. Learn more... A paper from Qualcomm and a blog post from Ericsson provide more details about MBS. For a detailed list of 3GPP specifications please refer to: 5g-mag.com/standards

A perfect way to end the week: The  5G-MAG  Reference Tools community is inviting you to a special session on Friday 31st January at 13:00 CET. We have scheduled exciting presentations around the topics of Immersive Media: Updates on the 5G-MAG Reference Tools XR implementation supporting MPEG-I Scene Description, by Nils Duval (Motionspell) - DOWNLOAD SLIDES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AZN34os1s1skIuHnmjEn6kBERUdFW9H0/view Updates on the 5G-MAG Reference Tools V3C Immersive Plaftorm including support or MPEG-I V3C Volumetric Video by Bart Kroon (Philips), Thierry Filoche (InterDigital), Patrick Fontaine (InterDigital) - DOWNLOAD SLIDES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BD6r2JlGv7_-RhSuFuMFSuqnH1UMzuQ7/view VVGLTF: Efficient Streaming of Volumetric Video with GLTF by Aljosa Smolic (HSLU) and Kit Yung Lam (HSLU) - DOWNLOAD SLIDES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tFmZP0F12TcHuxqekYiIsh5R_e3OliVg/view MPEG Avatar and 3GPP Rel-19 study by Thomas Stockhammer (Qualcomm) and Imed Bouazizi (Qualcomm) - DOWNLOAD SLIDES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H3MkNRFAJvZzNgDb5qS_ZaTUyuAeDZww/view Research on Networked Volumetric Video Services, by Mario Montagud (i2CAT) - DOWNLOAD SLIDES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/156GTsj3UaExgKc12XQkLJzjjDTq_ACXS/view EVENT: 5G-MAG REFERENCE TOOLS Special Session DATE: 31st January 2025 at 13:00 CET LOCATION: ONLINE Use this link to join the session: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86380468460?pwd=UnlGOVE5a3RUSnNCcFRGK0RmQlRHdz09  or Download the calendar of public calls here:  https://www.5g-mag.com/community#calendar

See you at MWC Barcelona! VISIT US! Come meet us at Hall 5, stand 5C30 - Swiss Pavilion LIVE DEMOS A place to meet us, learn about work and recent updates... and visit the following demonstrators: MPEG-I Scene Description for XR Media Experiences MPEG V3C Volumetric Video Immersive Platform 5G Media Streaming and QoS/QoE framework 5G Broadcast for TV/Radio on OTT Streaming Apps MEET-UP And join us for the 5G-MAG Meet-Up on 3rd March from 17:30 to 18:30! We’re looking forward to seeing you there. LET'S MEET? If you would like to book a meeting, please use the following link: https://calendly.com/5gmag EVENT: MWC Barcelona 2025 DATE: 3-6 March 2025 LOCATION: Fira, Barcelona, Spain - Hall 5, stand 5C30  - Swiss Pavilion INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT: https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/ 5G-MAG MEDIA ACTION GROUP at MWC: https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/exhibitors/31463-5g-mag-media-action-group

Download the 5G-MAG Report (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PQ_XsKV_Y45zdLefzXejlwDjs6EEHadJ/view?usp=sharing ABOUT THE REPORT This is a report produced by the 5G-MAG Workgroup CP (Content Production - Standards and Architecture). Current version of the report: v.1.0 Date of publication: 27th January 2025 ABSTRACT This 5G-MAG report complements the publication Uplink media delivery in 5G: Architectures & Features which identified, described and analysed relevant systems and features enabling the enhancement of uplink media delivery and traffic management in the content of media production and contribution. This report expands on the following aspects: Transport protocols and features available for uplink media delivery. Identification of potential enhancements for the delivery of content over 3GPP systems. Identification of potential enhancements to video encoding. REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK 5G-MAG welcomes feedback from the community to this document. If you have comments on the report, please submit them using our GitHub repository for "Request for Feedback" https://5g-mag.github.io/Requests-for-Feedback/ 5G-MAG members may take further actions on this document according to the comments received.

5G-MAG is participating at a conference session during the ACM Mile High Video 2025 (MHV/25). A Comprehensive Suite of Open-Source Reference Tools for MPEG-I Applications Presented by Daniel Silhavy (Fraunhofer FOKUS). Authors: Valérie Allie (InterDigital), Imed Bouazizi  (Qualcomm), Nils Duval (Motion Spell), Etienne Faivre d’Arcier, Thierry Filoche, Patrick Fontaine (InterDigital), Bart Kroon (Philips), Thomas Stockhammer (Qualcomm), Daniel Silhavy (Fraunhofer FOKUS), Jordi J. Gimenez ​(5G-MAG) EVENT: ACM Mile-High Video 2025. Session 15:45-16:30  Video Streaming 7: MPEG-I Applications ,  AI Technology for Voice/Speech DATE: 20th February 2024 TIME: 15:45-16:30 Local Time LOCATION: DENVER, US INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT: https://www.mile-high.video/

Join us at 3GPP SA4#131 in Geneva with 5G-MAG Reference Tools Demos. More information soon. EVENT:  3GPP SA4#131 Meeting DATE:  17th to 21st February 2025 LOCATION:  Geneva (Switzerland) INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT AND REGISTRATION: https://portal.3gpp.org/Home.aspx#/meeting?MtgId=60663

Download (PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MkBjZkVG30wKqwCMOm8GAmEYJu9hb4fE/view Non-Public Networks (NPNs) are a feature of 5G technology designed for localized non-public use. For media organizations, NPNs may offer the possibility of deploying fixed and nomadic networks, where fixed networks would cover small areas like studios or extend to the entire premises as a so-called campus network. What are Non-Public Networks? Media production facilities are increasingly adopting IP-based infrastructure. The ubiquity of IP networks and technologies enables increasing efficiency and effectiveness in production, process automation, and greater flexibility. Content production and contribution could leverage 5G as a highly reliable wireless technology to enhance existing or enable new workflows in the areas of newsgathering, remote production and live event coverage as well as in dedicated production facilities. NPNs are a key enabler for the deployment of media production scenarios. They are currently under standardization in 3GPP, with the first functionalities specified in Release 16. NPNs offer the possibility of providing 5G network services to organizations without entirely relying on public mobile networks. The latter may not be able to support certain applications, for example those requiring very low latency, highly robust services or business-critical data privacy – meeting such requirements may not be the primary business focus of public mobile network operators. NPNs therefore enable the deployment of 5G to provide services that may not be available in public mobile networks and are tailored to the needs of a specific industry, in this case media organizations. To enable a full degree of interoperability, NPNs should be connected to existing media production network infrastructure. Applications for the media industry NPNs may satisfy the demanding performance requirements of content production, such as very low latency and precise synchronization, and with respect to security, privacy and liability, by means of isolation from public networks, using dedicated resources and associated security credentials. They may be deployed stand-alone or in conjunction with public networks. Different NPN deployment options may be suitable depending on the type and scope of the production events, preferred business models and regulatory options. NPNs can be deployed as temporary or permanent. Permanent networks may cover a geographically limited area, as small as a small a single building or venue, or an entire campus used by audiovisual media production organizations. For nomadic or temporary productions (e.g. touring events, festivals, etc.), the preferred option may be a stand-alone NPN that can support the production anywhere and at any time. It would function independent of public mobile network coverage and avoid the need for negotiation of contracts and service-level agreements with multiple, diverse mobile network operators across country borders. For productions with less demanding requirements (e.g. newsgathering, low-cost live), service-level agreements and commercial arrangements between different types of network operators will need to be compared in order to obtain the right balance between functionality and cost with respect to the potential use of NPNs. The choice of deployment options for an NPN will be based on considerations around spectrum availability, network ownership and operation, and security, privacy and liability. The deployment of NPNs for media production and contribution can: Provide traffic isolation from other networks to ensure stable performance, reliability, security, or privacy. Meet requirements traditionally out of scope of general-purpose public mobile networks. Provide robust security and privacy features through, for example, dedicated credentials for on-boarded equipment. Facilitate self-management and operation without the need to rely on third parties 5G-MAG and Non-Public Networks 5G-MAG is monitoring the standardization of NPNs and their relevant features in 3GPP to understand the road map, timelines and expected support for audiovisual media production applications in both network and user equipment. 5G-MAG analyses different national approaches and emerging licensing models for making spectrum available for NPNs. 5G-MAG believes that the existence, across Europe and possibly worldwide, of a common spectrum range with homogeneous frequency channelization for NPNs in media production would help create economies of scale for their commercial deployment and operation. Furthermore, technical harmonization of protocols and workflows for spectrum access for NPNs in media production would be beneficial for both vendors and users. 5G-MAG believes that access to spectrum for nomadic NPNs and short-term deployments also needs appropriate regulatory frameworks, as the current national regulatory approaches are primarily suitable for stationary and long-term NPN deployments. Beyond spectrum access, 5G-MAG also studies regulatory aspects that may be relevant for the deployment of NPNs, such as numbering and network identifiers, roaming between public networks and NPNs, networksharing approaches and site regulations. Useful Links 3GPP TS 22.263 v17.2.0 “Service requirements for Video, Imaging and Audio for Professional Applications (VIAPA)” 3GPP TS 23.501 v16.6.0 “System architecture for the 5G System (5GS)”

Download (PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m5oNTlFV94rFDQtcsFGP7gb6ld35b1_F/view Non-Public Networks (NPNs) offer a variety of deployment configurations and options. Depending on the requirements of media organizations and the type of production or contribution scenario, stand-alone NPNs or NPNs with varying degrees of integration with public networks may be considered. What is a stand-alone NPN? A stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) is an isolated network whose radio access network (RAN) and core network functions and services do not rely on a public mobile network. SNPNs may be deployed as fixed or nomadic networks, managed either by the entity making use of the NPN or a third party. They have full control and management capabilities for the network functions and services provided by the SNPN. For media organizations, SNPNs can support specific media production and contribution requirements that may not be met by public mobile networks, which usually target general public usage. The SNPN, based on 3GPP-defined technologies, has its own dedicated NPN ID and can host specific vertical industry devices (e.g. PSME equipment). All network functions are deployed inside the SNPN and isolated from public networks. This setup does not exclude the possibility of accessing public services through a firewall or establishing roaming agreements with public network operators if required. Main characteristics Quality of service: Full customization of key parameters for media production (e.g. low latency, high-throughput, uplink-downlink ratios, high reliability, real-time monitoring, etc.) Isolation: Device subscription data, communication data flows, and operation and management data are internal to the SNPN IT security and integrity: Guaranteed security and privacy for media-related data, accessible only under authorization Operation and management: Self-operation and management is possible, with full autonomy 5G infrastructure: 5G network infrastructure is provided by the party acting as SNPN operator Cost: All costs, including infrastructure and terminals, are carried by the media organization Coverage: Provided and defined by the SNPN Liability: Responsibility lies with the media organization Spectrum: Possibility to use dedicated spectrum outside of traditional mobile spectrum bands Applications for the media industry ON-SITE PRODUCTION AND VENUES Live events usually take place in theatres, concert halls, stadiums or production studios, and can be outdoors or indoors. 5G wireless connectivity provided by an SNPN at the venue would allow wireless production equipment required to capture and produce an event to be connected on-site within a local network. Connectivity would be limited to the event area and under the full control of the media organization, with all audio and video processing done in real-time during operation. Different wireless video and audio sources and devices, such as cameras, microphones, in-ear monitoring (IEM) systems, lighting, etc., can be automatically and quickly provisioned through the network and locally addressable. Content can be captured at the highest quality possible while ensuring its integrity and robustness. With high quality and extremely reliable radio links, tolerance of QoS (quality of service) impairments is very low. Audio/video streams are ingested or received into and out of the SNPN with 5G links that replace legacy OFDM technologies. It is also possible to provision computing capabilities on-site for processing, and internet access to enable, for example, remote control. SPECIAL EVENTS COVERAGE This scenario is typical of self-contained small-scale production environments such as those used in news and sports reporting. An SNPN may be provisioned temporarily in a given location allowing user and control data to remain confined within the SNPN and operated and managed by the SNPN owner or a third party. This scenario envisages contribution links from 5G-enabled equipment and a self-provisioned 5G network (e.g. located at a small outdoor broadcast van) to the cloud and/or central studios. Internet access for remote control may also be provisioned. 5G-MAG and stand-alone NPNs 5G-MAG members are engaging in the standardization of NPNs in 3GPP, analysing the most relevant applications for media production, PMSE equipment requirements, and regulatory and spectrum aspects. See our general Explainer on NPNs for more details (5g-mag.com/explainers ). Useful Links 3GPP TS 22.263 v17.3.0 “Service requirements for Video, Imaging and Audio for Professional Applications (VIAPA)” 3GPP TS 23.501 v16.7.0 “System architecture for the 5G System (5GS)” 3GPP TR 28.807 v17.0.0 “Study on management aspects of Non-Public Networks” 3GPP TR 23.700-07 v1.2.0 “Study on enhanced support of Non-Public Networks (NPN)

Download (PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dlrP3csb_NbIDoLZU-QGciqCyhpUlqBO/view LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast, widely known as 5G Broadcast, allows linear TV and radio to be broadcast to compatible 3GPP-based devices like smartphones, tablets, home gateways and connected cars. What is LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast? LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast is a broadcast system designed and standardized by 3GPP, the organization responsible for developing global mobile communication standards (e.g. 3G, 4G, 5G). As this broadcast system is part of the 3GPP family of standards, it may be fully integrated into 3GPP equipment and complemented by conventional mobile broadband data. LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast includes features to support: Receive-only mode / free-to-air reception, requiring no uplink or SIM card; Encrypted services, including authentication mechanisms; Dedicated broadcast networks and related infrastructure; Single frequency networks (SFNs); Fixed, portable and mobile reception; Quality of service (QoS) defined by service providers; Standard APIs for easy design and integration of media services in applications and devices. The standardization of LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast began in 3GPP Release 14, under the EnTV work item. EnTV was completed in the summer of 2017, substantially meeting the requirements set out for dedicated broadcast. 3GPP Release 16, completed in 2020, introduced new configuration parameters for enhanced support of high-power high-tower (HPHT) networks and greater mobility. All of the features introduced form the LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast standard. Applications for the media industry SERVICES SUPPORTED LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast could be used to: Distribute public and commercial linear TV and radio services, free-to-air or encrypted, to 3GPP compatible devices such as smartphones, smart TVs, or car infotainment systems; Enable personalized media offers by delivering linear broadcast content alongside catch-up and on demand using the same family of standards; Enable broadcast distribution of linear TV and radio services integrated into existing media applications with 3GPP-defined APIs. LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast may be used in combination with broadband connectivity, in which case a SIM card or subscription would be required to access the latter. NETWORKS SUPPORTED The enhancements of 3GPP Releases 14 and 16 allow typical terrestrial broadcast system network topologies to be used. For example, exclusively high-power high-tower (HPHT), low-power low-tower (LPLT) or medium-power medium-tower (MPMT) sites may be used to form a broadcast network. A mixture of different transmitter classes may also be used. The latter is important as mixed networks are typical in the real world. 5G Broadcast can be operated as either a single or multi-frequency network. Flexible network deployments support targeting of different receiver environments, from fixed roof-top reception in rural or urban areas to mobile reception at low, medium or high speeds, depending on the network design. 5G-MAG and LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast 5G-MAG studies the use cases and implementation, commercial, and regulatory aspects required for the deployment of LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast as part of the technologies available in 3GPP addressing media industry requirements. Useful Links 3GPP TR 22.816 v14.1.0 “3GPP enhancement for TV service (Release 14)” 3GPP TR 36.976 v16.0.0 “Overall description of LTE-based 5G broadcast” ETSI TS 103 720 v1.1.1 “5G Broadcast System for linear TV and radio services; LTE-based 5G terrestrial broadcast system”

Download (PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QN1My95E8r8A0sbl83kynElwIpo8_9g0/view LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast is a broadcast system defined by 3GPP that can be deployed in unpaired downlink-only spectrum (i.e. without the need for an uplink), with dedicated broadcast carriers. Current broadcast allocations in the UHF band may therefore be suitable for the deployment of LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast services. What spectrum is required to deploy LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast? Conventional mobile networks require both a downlink and an uplink. The uplink can use either a different frequency (with a frequency division duplex allocation, Fig. 1a) or the same frequency but at a different time (with a time division duplex allocation). In contrast, LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast is a downlink-only system. It is therefore similar to any existing broadcast standard (Fig. 1b). LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast has the following main features, which enable operation without uplink: Dedicated broadcast carriers: up to 100% of each radio frame may be configured to carry broadcast services and related signalling. No user data nor any other information related to unicast is transmitted. Receive-only mode: user equipment requires neither connectivity nor registration to any network. All the necessary signalling and contextual information is self-contained in the downlink carrier. LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast could be deployed in any mobile downlink band including SDL (supplemental downlink) bands, for example the L-band (1452–1492 MHz). The UHF broadcast bands, from around 470 MHz to 694/698 MHz, depending on the geographical region, may be suitable for LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast as well. However, the channel bandwidth allocations in that portion of the spectrum (6, 7 or 8 MHz depending on the region) do not comply with those currently specified in the 3GPP specifications, i.e., 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 MHz. Using the same bandwidths as other broadcasting systems would maximize compatibility and facilitate the introduction of LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast. As a consequence, new work items (in Rel-17 and Rel-18) have been approved in 3GPP to enable the operation of LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast in UHF broadcast spectrum, potentially alongside existing digital terrestrial television (DTT) systems. To this end, bandwidths of 6, 7 and 8 MHz will be defined. Spectrum options for LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast The Radiocommunication Sector of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R) is responsible for setting out how radio spectrum is used throughout the world. The regulations are updated by World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs) every three to five years. The regulations are legally binding on ITU member states. The sub-700 MHz band (470–694 MHz) is allocated to broadcast services in Region 1 (Europe, Africa and the Middle East). In some countries of Region 2 and in Region 3 the band, or part of the band, is allocated to both broadcast and mobile services, with usage differing between countries. Furthermore, Region 1 uses 8 MHz channel bandwidths for broadcast services, whereas Regions 2 and 3 use a range of different bandwidths (6/7/8 MHz). For instance, the USA uses 6 MHz, while China and India use 8 MHz. ITU Region 1 In Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the use of the UHF band for broadcast services is governed by the Geneva 2006 agreement (GE06), which sets out the rights each country has to deploy a number of DTT services (called layers) in a country. These rights also grant that each service is protected from interference from neighbouring countries. The European Commission made a Decision in 2017 ((EU) 2017/899) to allow the sub-700 MHz band to continue to be made available for broadcast use until at least 2030. Assuming appropriate features are developed for LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast to operate in the portion of UHF spectrum allocated to broadcast systems (e.g., with 8 MHz channels) and that the GE06 out-of-band emissions limits can be respected, the deployment options for LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast services within ITU Region 1 would be as follows: Reuse existing DTT GE06 assignments/allotments – LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast could be used in any existing GE06 assignment/allotment or equivalent, subject to conformity with the GE06 rules. New assignments/allotments in addition to existing DTT GE06 assignments/allotments – new assignments/allotments for LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast could be created alongside existing DTT assignments/allotments under the GE06 framework and new inter-country frequency coordination agreements. Given that the band is already occupied by existing GE06 plan entries, any new assignment/allotments may be of limited utility, especially near international borders ITU Regions 2 and 3 In the rest of the world, there is no equivalent to the GE06 agreement. Each country must negotiate with its neighbours to assign spectrum for broadcasting use, and these negotiations will generally be conducted according to bilaterally-agreed rules and conventions. These negotiations can often be complex, especially in countries whose neighbours use different channel rasters and/or bandwidths. The availability of a wider choice of bandwidths can bring flexibility when it comes to the introduction of new systems. In the United States (Region 2), ATSC 3.0 is the approved voluntary DTT standard being deployed to eventually replace ATSC 1.0. However, regulatory flexibility may permit non-ATSC 3.0 waveforms such as LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast to share the DTT spectrum to provide ancillary and supplementary downlink services (e.g., so-called “Broadcast Internet”). In Brazil (Region 2), LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast is a candidate for the physical layer for the next generation “TV 3.0 Project”. In India (Region 3), the public broadcaster has exclusive use of the allocated DTT spectrum and is evaluating options for its future digital standard for direct-to-mobile broadcast and offload from unicast. This may present an opportunity to use LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast. Useful Links ETSI TS 103 720 V1.1.1 (2020-12), 5G Broadcast System for linear TV and radio services; LTE-based 5G terrestrial broadcast system World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15), Geneva, Switzerland, November 2015 Regional Radiocommunications Conference (RRC-06), Geneva, Switzerland May/June 2006