TDF, a player in technological innovation for broadcasting and connectivity, has announced the launch of a 5G Broadcast certification platform. Designed to test, validate and structure the ecosystem of the broadcasting technology, the platform aims to ensure equipment interoperability and accelerate market adoption. This unique initiative in Europe, deployed at TDF’s campus (in Les Lilas, Seine-Saint-Denis, France), will bring together broadcasters, equipment manufacturers and chipset producers.
5G Broadcast enables smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices to receive linear TV programs without requiring Wi-Fi or mobile data consumption, providing a high-performance, eco-friendly alternative, even in areas of high congestion or network saturation.
The platform will enable the testing of a wide range of devices and solutions, including:
• Compatible smartphones and tablets (sensitivity, reception, and software compatibility evaluation).
• Middleware and standalone software solutions.
• Broadcast infrastructure equipment.
• Monetisation technologies, including targeted advertising and interactive features.
• Mobile applications
The certification process is based on:
• Modular and rigorous testing protocols to ensure compliance with technical standards.
• Evaluation of critical criteria, including signal robustness, reception sensitivity, energy efficiency, and environmental impact.
• The awarding of a certification label, ensuring optimal interoperability for broadcasters and manufacturers.
Beyond technical validation, the platform aims to facilitate the industrialization and large-scale deployment of 5G Broadcast equipment, supporting broader adoption within the market.
Through this initiative, TDF and its partners will explore end-to-end use cases that align with broadcasters’ needs and evolving consumption habits – particularly among younger, urban audiences who increasingly watch content on mobile devices.
Karim El Naggar, Head of Audiovisual & Networks at TDF, commented: “We are proud to announce that the 5G Broadcast platform will be soon operational at our Les Lilas site. This milestone marks a crucial step in our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the needs of our clients and partners. With this initiative, as a broadcast network operator, TDF reaffirms its role as a pioneer in the evolution of broadcasting technologies and strengthens its contribution to shaping the future of mobile television. By bringing together industry players—including broadcast equipment manufacturers, chipset & OEM manufacturers, as well as software solution providers—we are paving the way for the next generation of broadcasting.”