On Monday, 11 November, broadcast operators, technology partners and policymakers gathered in the heart of Brussels for an important milestone in the evolution of media delivery, the 5G Broadcast: Horizons for Europe event. Belgian Tower Company actively participated in this showcase and provided technical support during the live demonstrations in the Belgian capital.
The central question of the evening was, what role will 5G Broadcast play in the future of media and communication in Europe? The answer was clear, 5G Broadcast enables more than ever before and Europe has the opportunity to develop its own robust and independent standard.
What is 5G Broadcast and why is it important?
5G Broadcast adds a new layer to the digital ecosystem. It offers:
- Secure and reliable live broadcasting to mobile devices, without network congestion
- A new standard for distributing critical information during emergency situations
- Multimedia and entertainment that can reach everyone, even in crowded locations or during events
By enabling broadcast and broadband to work together more intelligently, a much more powerful system emerges. Especially in times of crisis, accurate and timely information is vital, and 5G Broadcast can help ensure this.
European cooperation at the core
During the event, South 180 released the official report “5G Broadcast, Horizons for Europe”, describing the opportunities and challenges for rollout across Europe. Network operators from several countries also presented their progress and ambitions.
It was also the first time multiple European broadcast operators carried out a joint live demonstration. Belgian Tower Company and Media Broadcast delivered an on-site hands-on showcase featuring:
- Live TV transmissions to mobile handsets
- Live emergency alerts with multimedia support
- Direct reception from the transmission site to a smartphone, without a SIM card or data connection
Clear proof that the technology is ready to evolve from pilot to reality.
Innovation with a focus on safety
A notable demonstration was the Estonian “Pocket Siren”. This application, developed by Levira and TalTech with the support of the Estonian Ministry of the Interior, showed how alerts in the event of disasters or crisis situations can reach citizens immediately and securely.
This aligns with an important European priority, a resilient communication standard that continues to function under all circumstances.
Building the future together
The message was clear, 5G Broadcast is no longer in its infancy. The sector is preparing for implementation and the demand for collaboration is growing. No single country can make this transition alone.
Belgian Tower Company plays a meaningful role in this evolution. As an independent infrastructure partner, we ensure coverage and reliability, today and for the networks of tomorrow.
We are proud of our contribution to this event and look forward to taking the next steps together with our partners towards a safer and more intelligently connected society.
Want to learn more about what 5G Broadcast can mean for your organisation?
Feel free to contact our team, we will be happy to think along with you.