Most broadcasters back 5G to replace traditional TV distribution

A global survey commissioned by virtualised production specialist Nevion says the vast majority (82%) of broadcasters believe 5G and, more generally, cellular networks, will replace traditional broadcast distribution and satellite as the preferred way to access TV content.

The timescales for this change are probably sooner than you might expect too, with over a third (37%) of respondents expecting it will happen within the next two years.

With 5G catering for consumers’ demand to stream content on the go, half the broadcasters taking part in the survey say the biggest challenge will be network performance issues and coverage issues (42%).

This is followed by issues with reliability (26%) and network security (22%). Some broadcasters also expressed concern about the environmental impact of 5G.

However, asked if they were anticipating adopting 5G within the next two years, 95% of broadcasters said yes.

Andy Rayner, chief technologist, Nevion, said: “5G technology can potentially deliver OTT broadcast services with the quality required not only for mobile devices, but also for TV screens at home. This could mean, as our research uncovered, that 5G is eventually likely to usurp DTT for consumers at home as well as on the move. In the long term, it is likely that 5G mobile technology could become the standard means to deliver terrestrial television. However, it is expected that both DTT and 5G delivery (when ready) will co-exist for a reasonable time.”