As the pace of change in media and communications continues, one emerging technology that’s starting to gain attention is 5G Broadcast. Unlike the 5G we hear about in connection with mobile phones and high-speed data networks, 5G Broadcast isn’t about personal data contracts or subscription-based access. Instead, it revives and repurposes the traditional model of one-to-many broadcasting, but with a technological update that makes it suitable for the mobile and digital environment we now live in.
5G Broadcast, or LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast as it’s formally known, is designed to deliver content—radio, TV, emergency messages—without the need for SIM cards, user subscriptions, or even a network connection. The idea is to enable phones, cars, tablets and other compatible devices to receive broadcast streams directly, using spectrum in the UHF band that’s already familiar from digital terrestrial TV services.
At a technical level, the system is built on a standard known as FeMBMS, which essentially adapts LTE and 5G infrastructure to support downlink-only transmissions. Trials are already underway across Europe and North America. In these trials, broadcasters are testing whether the system can support live events, deliver emergency alerts reliably, or support more immersive experiences like augmented reality. Although still early in development, some organisations are planning to use 5G Broadcast for events like the Paris Olympics in 2024, pointing to its potential for high-reliability, mass-reach content delivery.
For UK radio broadcasters, the relevance of 5G Broadcast may not be immediately obvious, particularly given the existing investment in DAB and streaming services. But there are scenarios where 5G Broadcast could play a complementary role. One is mobility. As more people listen to radio on the go—especially in cars—there’s a need to support seamless and cost-free access that doesn’t depend on mobile data. 5G Broadcast could provide a practical solution, particularly in areas where DAB reception is weak or inconsistent.
Another area of interest is the flexibility the technology offers. Because 5G Broadcast is IP-based, it supports modern media formats and hybrid service models. This means broadcasters could maintain a single content pipeline while enabling devices to switch between broadcast and broadband delivery depending on signal strength or user preference. For public service broadcasters, this could help maintain service continuity and support accessibility goals. For community and independent broadcasters, the question becomes whether it’s possible to participate in this space without being locked out by cost or regulation.
This leads to a set of more structural considerations. The current model of digital radio in the UK is heavily reliant on multiplexes, which require licensing and technical infrastructure that can be out of reach for small or place-based broadcasters. One of the potential advantages of 5G Broadcast is that it might support local or regional deployment, especially if licensing allows for small-area transmissions or shared infrastructure. In theory, a local authority or a cooperative of community broadcasters could operate a low-power transmission node, delivering content directly to people’s phones and vehicles without going through a commercial network.
Whether that theory becomes reality depends on several factors. The first is regulation. Ofcom has not yet formalised how spectrum might be allocated for 5G Broadcast, and whether non-commercial providers would have meaningful access. There is also the question of device support. Very few current smartphones are equipped to receive 5G Broadcast signals, and the commercial incentive for manufacturers to include this capability may be limited unless there is clear consumer demand or public policy support.
Infrastructure costs also need to be considered. While 5G Broadcast can use existing telecom or broadcast towers, it still requires specialised equipment and integration with broadcast scheduling systems. There is potential for shared models—where community and public service organisations pool resources—but this would require support mechanisms that prioritise social value over purely commercial outcomes.
In evaluating the future potential of this technology, a business analyst or policy advisor might ask how 5G Broadcast compares with existing platforms like DAB or streaming. They’d want to know if the investment can be justified for small-scale providers, and how it aligns with national objectives for digital inclusion, emergency communications, or cultural diversity. They’d likely look at how spectrum rights are awarded, whether content delivery can be managed autonomously at a local level, and whether the regulatory environment supports pluralism and accessibility.
At this stage, 5G Broadcast should be seen not as a replacement for DAB or streaming, but as a complementary system that could help broaden access and reduce dependence on commercial networks. It offers an opportunity to revisit how radio and media content is distributed, and whether communities and independent providers can gain a foothold in future networks.
As with all emerging technologies, the value lies not just in the technical specifications, but in how they are implemented, governed, and made accessible. For those of us working in community and social value media, the challenge is to ensure that these new systems don’t replicate old exclusions, but instead offer new pathways for democratic and participative media engagement.