5G Broadcast live at IBC2025: Dutch Field Trials Announced

Amsterdam, September 2025 – At the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC2025), NPO and Broadcast Partners will showcase a live 5G Broadcast transmission, highlighting the latest developments in over-the-air media delivery and announcing a nationwide field trial in the Netherlands set to begin in Q4 this year.

5G Broadcast enables live TV, radio and media content to be transmitted over-the-air directly to smartphones without consuming mobile data and without dependencies on mobile telecom networks. The technology uses a separate frequency band to efficiently deliver one signal to all users simultaneously. As the spreading of the media works completely independent from  the internet and mobile infrastructures, the technology is excellent for future emergency communications; and  is already compatible with the current LTE (Further Enhanced) standard and can be integrated into future smartphones with relative ease.

From September 12 to 15, NPO 1 and NPO 3FM will be broadcast from the 150m high Cellnex RAI Amsterdam tower. The signal will be receivable both indoors and outdoors on compatible devices throughout the IBC venue.

The demonstration is technically facilitated by Cellnex’ Broadcast Partners, in collaboration with Nakolos and TRedess, who provide the infrastructure, software, and hardware for the complete 5G Broadcast setup.

Jildert de Groot, Chief Technology Officer at NPO:  “5G Broadcast delivers live media to smartphones without using mobile data and ensures reliable communication, especially in emergencies. Together with the Dutch regulator RDI, Broadcast Partners and Cellnex Netherlands, we will launch a synchronized, year-long 5G Broadcast field trial across multiple high-tower locations starting in Q4 2025. This marks a significant step toward future nationwide deployment.”

About

NPO – The NPO (Nederlandse Publieke Omroep) is the national public broadcasting organization in the Netherlands. It is responsible for broadcasting television and radio programs via the Dutch national public networks. With NPO as the umbrella management body and a number of independent broadcasters with a broadcasting license, who together offer a wide range of content, varying from news and current affairs to entertainment and education.

Broadcast Partners – Broadcast Partners, part of Cellnex Netherlands, offers broadcast technology products, solutions, consultancy and network operation services for radio & TV stations, production companies, and governments. They manage the entire broadcast chain, from studio to audience, including turnkey projects and the full contribution and distribution chains. The company oversees around 1000 FM and DAB+ transmitters 24/7/365. IBC stand 8.D17.

Cellnex Netherlands – Operates and manages mobile and broadcast infrastructure in the Netherlands, including high telecom towers, masts, and data centers. Cellnex provides infrastructure and connectivity solutions for telecommunications, broadcasting, and data storage, enabling customers to deploy technology efficiently and reduce costs.

RDI – Dutch Authority for Digital Infrastructure oversees the safety, reliability, and accessibility of digital communication in the Netherlands. It manages radio frequencies, enforces technical standards, and ensures secure and resilient infrastructure for telecom, broadcasting, and emergency services.

Nakolos – 5G Broadcast product of Austrian Broadcasting Services (ORS Group) which provides a 5G Broadcast core and middleware and offers together with partners an end-to-end integration of 5G Broadcast for broadcast network operators and broadcaster. ORS Group, the service provider for analogue and digital broadcasting in Austria, has been actively involved in the global 5G & Media initiative, the 5G Media Action Group, since 2019 and through that have contributed as well as gained a lot of knowledge in the 5G Broadcast field. At IBC Available at multiple partner stands in hall 8 and 5.

TRedess – Leading company in professional telecommunications solutions, specialized in the design, development and manufacturing of competitive, reliable and innovative UHF & VHF Transmitters & Gap Fillers for Digital Terrestrial TV and Radio broadcasting networks. TRedess aim is to offer an optimum solution to any network operator by providing the latest and most efficient Transmitter technology available. IBC stand 8.C73.