Ericsson in partnership with Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) announced a successful 5G-powered live broadcast during the 2024 National Day parade at Putrajaya. According to Ericsson, this is the first live broadcast of its kind in Malaysia which was conducted over a public 5G network.
It added that the 5G live broadcast demonstrates the benefit of end-to-end network slicing in delivering improved video performance in a secure environment.
Ericsson shared that the live broadcast of the 2024 National Day parade was a successful proof-of-concept to trial five critical broadcasting elements, namely video, audio, controller, intercom and monitoring. The live content data is streamed to the RTM production studio via DNB’s 5G Standalone (SA) network, while the recording process is monitored and controlled remotely.
Typically such live transmissions were done using cables and satellites. With 5G’s higher bandwidth and lower latency mobile connectivity, camera operators can gain greater mobility and flexibility to capture more dynamic angles. Meanwhile, producers in the studio can have increased control over camera movements during live events.
The Swedish telecommunications giant emphasised that 5G technology offers several key benefits for live broadcasting which include enhanced mobility and flexibility with the use of untethered and wireless cameras, extended coverage which enables coverage across large areas with enhanced experience through multi-camera capability, and higher quality and lower latency to set a new benchmark for broadcast excellence.
The remote production over 5G also enables broadcasters to produce live coverage off-site without the need to have a large on-site crew and equipment. Meanwhile, the low latency of 5G ensures minimal delay and real-time responsiveness to improve the synchronisation between the field and the studio.
The live broadcast during Merdeka Day also leveraged network slicing technologies to deliver a customised slice to fulfil the unique demands of a live broadcast. This includes specific features such as high speed, ample capacity, enhanced security and reliable performance.
The broadcast utilises Ericsson’s Dynamic Radio Resource Partitioning solution in a Multi-Operator 5G Core Network (MOCN) which dynamically allocates spectrum resources and supports service differentiation while leveraging AI Intent-Based Operations. For enhanced security and confidentiality, the 5G network utilises enterprise-grade data encryption, systems and application hardening with real-time cyber threat monitoring and management by DNB’s Security Operation Centre and Ericsson Security Manager (ESM).
Commenting on the achievement, DNB CTO Ken Tan said, “This proof-of-concept shows that 5G network slicing can deliver secured and seamless broadcast management and ensure uninterrupted feed from the site to the newsroom using existing infrastructure. It also serves as a case for enterprises from the broadcast industry and beyond, to embrace 5G connectivity, enhance their efficiency and productivity, and ultimately transform their businesses.”
Meanwhile, Ericsson’s Head of Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, David Hägerbro, said, “Malaysia’s successful 5G rollout offers widespread availability, affordability, and a world-class network experience with advanced features for consumers and businesses, as well as the crucial broadcast services provided by RTM. The pilot transmission has demonstrated how 5G has transformed RTM’s broadcasting capabilities. With 5G Standalone technology, RTM can now deliver live broadcasts with greater agility, flexibility and real-time streaming.”
In mid-August, ZTE in partnership with CelcomDigi and U Mobile conducted Malaysia’s first live event broadcast powered by 5G-Advanced during SUKMA 2024 in Sarawak. During the sporting event, the live event broadcast was conducted over a private 5G network utilising ZTE’s mmWAVE AAU which is said to provide the largest bandwidth and 1024-antenna array.
The 5G-A trial network in Sarawak had a capacity of over 30Gbps and it managed to set a 5G-A world record at 30.8Gbps.
