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  • 06.10.23 - New Releases! - 5G Core Service Consumers (BSF, PCF)

    We have just released version 1.0.0 of the 5G-MAG Reference Tools - 5G Core Service Consumers. This is the first release of the 5G Core Service Consumer libraries and tools. These are based upon the Open5GS 5G Core and can be used as an independent set of tools for testing or controlling 5G Core APIs or as libraries for adding API handling into your own Open5GS based AF implementations. The 5G Core presents several Network Functions, each of which has its own set of service interfaces. This is a collection of reusable service consumer libraries designed to talk to the 5G Core Network Functions using some of these service interfaces. Currently available: libscbsf - Binding Support Function (BSF) service consumer library. The Binding Support Function (BSF) is responsible for maintaining a mapping between UE PDU Session and the PCF which is managing that PDU Session. The libscbsf library aids in discovery of the BSF in the 5G Core (by interrogating the NRF) and subsequently looking up which PCF is managing the PDU Session for a UE, identified by its IP address. This library implements the service consumer end of the following service-based APIs: Nbsf_Management libscpcf - Policy Control Function (PCF) service consumer library. The Policy Control Function (PCF) is responsible for applying charging and network policy to the PDU sessions of UEs. The Npcf_PolicyAuthorization service API is used at reference point N5 by an Application Function (AF) to request policy changes to the PDU session on behalf of the UE. This allows an Application Function to manipulate particular network QoS parameters for selected IP traffic flows within the PDU session. The libscpcf library allows an application to connect to a PCF and request an AppSessionContext which it can then use to manipulate the network routing policies for traffic passing across specific application flows within a UE's PDU Session. This library implements the service consumer end of the following service-based APIs: Npcf_PolicyAuthorization 👏 Big thank you to the contributors David Waring ( BBC ) and Daniel Silhavy ( Fraunhofer FOKUS ). 👉 The full release notes can be found here: https://github.com/5G-MAG/rt-5gc-service-consumers/releases/tag/rt-5gc-service-consumers-1.0.0 👉 More information about 5G-MAG and the 5G-MAG Reference Tools can be found on our website: developer.5g-mag.com/

  • 3GPP TR 26.805 "Study on Media Production over 5G NPN Systems" completed

    Download 3GPP TR 26.805 (PDF) With Thorsten Lohmar (Ericsson) as rapporteur, 3GPP Technical Report 26.805 comprises a variety of relevant media production use cases, reference media production architectures and workflow descriptions to identify standardization needs and potential standards gaps when using 5G Systems for media production including Non-Public Networks (NPN) both Standalone NPN and Public-Network-Integrated NPN. Aspects such 5G System features, relevant protocols used in media production, codecs and service layers for 5G System usage, among others, are addressed in the document. Learn more about NPNs for Media Production: https://www.5g-mag.com/explainers Aspects such as relevant media production use cases, reference media production architectures, relevant QoS requirements for media production workflows, 5G System features, protocols, codecs and service layers for 5G System usage, among others, are addressed in the document. The document also contains guidelines for media producers and device manufacturers. In particular, the following are highlighted: Avoid multiplexing of different media components (e.g. MPEG 2 Transport Stream). However, when MPEG-2 Transport Stream is used, then the following suggestions should be considered: Allow extra jitter buffer for PCR timeline Do not insert null packets Encapsulate MPEG-2 Transport Stream in an RTP session according to IETF RFC 2250 Use GBR QoS flows to carry constant bit rate streams Use dynamic bit rate adaptation to avoid packet loss Provision network QoS end-to-end Use client-initiated control protocols to avoid problems with firewalls and NAT Use unicast IP data flows in preference to multicast IP Use precise time synchronisation Use packed-based transmission for audio streams with a single parameter set 3GPP also recommends 5G-MAG to identify a follow-up on these guidelines to support media production device manufactures and media producers to leverage different 3GPP features for their purposes. Beyond the individual contributions by 3GPP members, 5G-MAG organized several workshops to reach out to various media producers and device manufactures with respect to 5G network usage. https://www.5g-mag.com/post/5g-mag-workshop-media-production-over-5g-npn https://www.5g-mag.com/post/5g-mag-workshop-media-production-over-5g-npn-deep-dive-into-protocols A site on trials is also maintained by the association: https://www.5g-mag.com/trials

  • Towards a comprehensive 5G-based toolbox for live media production

    Download (PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ojh86tt6O9vIP3Ac2DdQfaJ78-_hXdia/view ABOUT THE REPORT This is a report produced by the 5G-MAG Workgroup CP (Content Production - Standards and Architecture). Current version of the report: v.1.0 Date of publication: 5th December 2022 ABSTRACT This report focuses on the use of 5G technologies in media production and contribution workflows. With reference to three live production deployment scenarios of evolving complexity, it provides: a brief description of the current state of the art for equipment and technologies; an overview of the features that 5G would ideally support for each scenario; and an initial inventory of potential solutions available in the 5G specifications currently under development. The annexes provide further background information and definitions of key terms, along with additional details on the parameter ranges for media-related data streams that the 5G network would transport. REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK 5G-MAG welcomes feedback from the community to this document. If you have comments on the report, please submit them using our GitHub repository for "Request for Feedback" https://github.com/5G-MAG/Requests-for-Feedback 5G-MAG members may take further actions on this document according to the comments received.

  • Media distribution with 5G Multicast-Broadcast Services (MBS)

    Download (PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OJkHzjXeI9SrlXE98D7kxdD7b_m6dxXS/view?usp=share_link 3GPP Release 17 brings Multicast–Broadcast Services (MBS) to the 5G System, based on 5G Core and New Radio. MBS allows the network to select the most suitable among point-to-multipoint (PTM) or point-to-point (PTP) delivery based on requirements set by either service providers or network operators and/or taking into account concurrent user demand. Multicast Services A Multicast Service uses PTM and/or PTP delivery methods to transport traffic from a single source to User Equipment (UE) terminals within a multicast service area that have subscribed to the service. Multicast traffic is efficiently and reliably transported over the 5G core network to compatible base stations using the shared traffic delivery method. The individual traffic delivery method can serve multicast traffic to legacy base stations that do not support MBS. MBS-enabled base stations autonomously decide whether to use PTM or PTP delivery methods at the radio access network based on the number of concurrent subscriptions and the quality of the radio channel. To receive Multicast Services, UEs must first subscribe to a multicast group. Base stations 1 and 2 use the PTM delivery method to serve subscribed UEs within their reception footprints. Base station 2 additionally uses the PTP delivery method to serve UEs that require more robust delivery. Base station 3 (not supporting MBS) can deliver multicast packets via a conventional unicast PDU session unique to each subscribed UE. Broadcast Services A Broadcast Service uses only the PTM delivery method to transport traffic from a single source to multiple UEs within a broadcast service area. Any UE within the broadcast service area that has registered with the network can receive Broadcast Services. A single copy of the MBS traffic is efficiently transported over the 5G core network to each MBS-compatible base station in the service area using the shared traffic delivery method. A Broadcast Service is available to compatible UEs within the broadcast service area, always using the PTM delivery method. What kinds of service could be offered with 5G MBS? MBS supports the delivery of both operator and third-party media content. In particular, MBS User Services allow popular online television and radio services (e.g. live sport or national events) to be delivered efficiently to compatible equipment such as smartphones, smart TVs or car infotainment systems. Broadcast is suitable for localized services at the granularity of individual cells (e.g. services in venues, stadiums, exhibition centres). Multicast allows the efficient and scalable delivery of popular services while ensuring a similar quality of service (QoS) and reliability to that of unicast distribution. Quality of experience is independent of audience size and network congestion is mitigated. Multicast allows a group of UEs to receive services according to QoS requirements and/or prevailing channel conditions. Additional characteristics To minimize implementation impact and complexity, MBS reuses the existing (3GPP Release 15/16) radio-layer design for physical channels, reference signals, and sub-carrier spacings and cyclic prefixes. How is the coverage area of a service determined? For both Multicast and Broadcast Services, individual cells may be added to or removed from the service area. The Multicast Service is transmitted only in cells within the multicast service area in which there are UEs that have joined an MBS session. Cells within the broadcast service area transmit the Broadcast Service regardless of whether the service is requested or not. For multicast, link adaptation selects the most appropriate modulation and coding scheme (MCS). Beamforming is optimized for the UEs in the multicast group. For broadcast, each service is pre-assigned an MCS, as there is no channel-state information feedback from UEs. Single frequency network (SFN) operation is possible across sectors of the same base station for multicast. For broadcast, SFNs can be implemented across base stations that are sufficiently close to each other, transparent to UEs. How is reliability of reception managed? For multicast, provision of UE feedback, support of retransmissions using PTP or PTM, link adaptation, and beamforming, among other mechanisms, ensure reliability. For broadcast, services are delivered with no guarantee of reception, however data repetition (slot-level) is possible for improved performance. How are mobility and service continuity managed? For multicast, service continuity across cells is supported by handover between the base stations a UE traverses. For broadcast, neighbour-cell information and cell-reselection mechanisms are available but may not ensure lossless handover. Can MBS services be transmitted together with other types of traffic on the 5G network? Mixed radio carriers can deliver multicast and/or broadcast services alongside other unicast data on the same cell. Learn more... A paper from Qualcomm and a blog post from Ericsson provide more details about MBS. For a detailed list of 3GPP specifications please refer to: 5g-mag.com/standards

  • ETSI 103 720 "5G Broadcast System for linear TV and radio services" updated

    Download ETSI TS 103 720 v1.2.1 (PDF) Additional materials: ETSI TS 103 720 v1.1.1  ( Work Item ) - ETSI TS 103 720 v1.2.1 ( Work Item ) 5G-MAG completes the 3GPP Release 17 updates for ETSI TS 103 720 v1.2.1 With Thomas Stockhammer (Qualcomm) as rapporteur, ETSI Technical Specification 103 720 5G Broadcast System for linear TV and radio services; LTE-based 5G terrestrial broadcast system" has now been upgraded to incorporate changes and additions from 3GPP Release 17. Learn more about LTE-based 5G Broadcast: https://www.5g-mag.com/5gbroadcast The work to update the specification has been driven by 5G-MAG as part of three work items dealing with this technology. The additions, discussed and agreed among members (https://github.com/5G-MAG/Standards/projects/1) are the following: Bug fixes, clarifications and upgrade to 3GPP Rel-17 specification Adding receiver requirements for consistent network planning including requirements on demodulation performance Adding bandwidth information, including 6/7/8 MHz, and broadcast UHF spectrum (based on 3GPP RAN work items) Support of 5GMS over eMBMS with reference to 3GPP TS 26.501 including hybrid use cases Codecs and Formats with reference to 5GMS in 3GPP TS 26.511 Support for public warning and emergency alerts based on cell broadcast services. The process to update the specification based on Release 18 has now started. Comments, bugs to be fixed, or request for additional features, can be submitted here: https://github.com/5G-MAG/Standards/issues

  • Spectrum access for live media production using Non-Public Networks (NPNs)

    Download (PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QYk-kZBjzDoAG2YtuhDLL_E1E8oz-lK9/view?usp=drive_link ABOUT THE REPORT This is a report produced by the 5G-MAG Workgroup EaR (Ecosystem and Regulation). Current version of the report: v.1.0 Date of publication: 12th July 2023 ABSTRACT This report focuses on the spectrum access models and frequency bands suitable for the deployment of Non-Public Networks (NPN) for live media production scenarios, including those captured in the 5G-MAG Report " Towards a comprehensive 5G-based toolbox for live media production ". This report provides: a description of spectrum access models in different frequency bands that would enable deploying NPNs. Examples of different approaches to spectrum access by administrations are also given; information on the bands defined in the 5G standards where NPNs may potentially be deployed; discussion on relevant spectrum access requirements for the deployment of NPNs for media production applications. REQUEST FOR FEEDBACK 5G-MAG welcomes feedback from the community to this document. If you have comments on the report, please submit them using our GitHub repository for "Request for Feedback" https://github.com/5G-MAG/Requests-for-Feedback 5G-MAG members may take further actions on this document according to the comments received.

  • 16.08.23 - New Releases! - 5G-MAG Reference Tools for 5G Media Streaming

    Version 1.0.1 of the 5G-MAG Reference Tools - 5G Media Streaming Client Components is now available, including some minor improvements. All details can be found below. The work on 5G Media Streaming in the 5G-MAG Reference Tools continues as we are working on QoE metrics reporting, consumption reporting as well as network assistance and dynamic policies features. All information can be found on our website: https://lnkd.in/g8BmNjS 5GMS Common Android Library v1.0.1 - Release notes: https://lnkd.in/eE4_cdD9 5GMS Media Stream Handler v1.0.1 - Release notes: https://lnkd.in/exvR3f7j 5GMS Media Session Handler v1.0.1 - Release notes: https://lnkd.in/efCC-7UY 5GMS Application v1.0.1 - Release notes: https://lnkd.in/eENDDKkN Big thanks to the developers involved and our Daniel Silhavy

  • 25.08.23 - New Releases! - 5G-MAG Reference Tools for 5G Media Streaming

    We have just released version 1.0.2 of the 5G-MAG Reference Tools - 5G Media Streaming client-side components. 📝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞-𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞-𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫.. Big thanks to all the contributors, in particular this time Daniel Silhavy and Richard Bradbury , who have been in the front row fixing this over summer. The complete release information can be found here: 👉 5GMS Application v1.0.2 - Release notes: https://lnkd.in/e_spxWZX 👉 5GMS Media Session Handler v1.0.2 - Release notes: https://lnkd.in/eysF-bVe 👉 5GMS Media Stream Handler v1.0.2 - Release notes: https://lnkd.in/eWP97S-N - Maven package: https://lnkd.in/eEpYiAey 👉 5GMS Common Android Library v1.0.2 - Release notes: https://lnkd.in/eNwHKAHA - Maven package: https://lnkd.in/eXmjExCy

  • ETSI TR 103 972 "Deployment Guidelines for DVB-I services over 5G Systems" published

    Download ETSI TR 103 972 v1.1.1 (PDF) A new Technical Report from ETSI, arising out of a collaboration between the DVB Project and 5G-MAG , provides guidelines on the deployment of DVB-I services over 5G Systems including the 5G Media Streaming Architecture and LTE-based 5G Broadcast. Published just ahead of the summer break in Europe, TR 103 972 v1.1.1 shows how relevant components from both the 5G and DVB ecosystems can be smartly combined to address several media service scenarios. JOINT TASK FORCE SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED The Joint Task Force between DVB and 5G-MAG kicked off early in 2022 with the mission to map the Commercial Requirements for DVB-I service support over 5G networks and systems ( DVB BlueBook C100 ) into a set of deployment guidelines. The resulting ETSI Technical Report includes high-level summaries of technologies from DVB (DVB-I, codecs, and delivery formats such as DVB-DASH, DVB-MABR and DVB Native IP), from 3GPP (5G System, 5G Media Streaming, eMBMS and enhanced TV), and of the LTE-based 5G Broadcast System defined in ETSI JTC Broadcast. The report also sets out the 5G-MAG Reference Tools architecture and client components related to DVB-I over 5G. The detailed service scenarios covered in the report are: Standalone DVB-I service using 5G Broadcast DVB-I service using 5G Media Streaming DVB-I service offering available simultaneously over broadcast and unicast. A DVB-I over 5G reference architecture is proposed to support all service scenarios and requirements. Each scenario includes workflows with guidance on relevant specifications. Gaps in existing specifications are identified and documented as recommended changes to the relevant specifications under the control of DVB, 3GPP or ETSI. IBC PAPER The Joint Task Force was led by Dolby’s Frédéric Gabin (for the DVB Project) and Qualcomm’s Thomas Stockhammer (for 5G-MAG). Richard Bradbury of BBC was also a major contributor to the work. A technical paper on the work by the three will be presented during the IBC2023 conference during a session on 5G technology convergence with broadcast . More than 65 people from among the memberships of DVB and 5G-MAG joined the Joint Task Force to follow and contribute to the work, representing more than 40 companies in total. With the ETSI report now published, the task force will be wound down and the required follow-up work will continue in the respective organizations. 5G-MAG REFERENCE TOOLS FOR DVB-I OVER 5G UNDERWAY The 5G-MAG REFERENCE TOOLS; the open-source software development programme established by 5G-MAG and open to the community. is already developing the 5G Systems for multimedia applications, including the 5G Media Streaming Architecture and LTE-based 5G Broadcast. Its extension to support DVB-I services is on the roadmap for the comming months. Contributions are welcome and developers can contact reference-tools@5g-mag.com or explore the Developer Space for more information.

  • 07.09.23 - New Releases! - 5G-MAG Reference Tools for 5G Media Streaming

    We have just released version 1.2.0 of the 5G-MAG Reference Tools - 5G Media Streaming Application Server. This change to the behaviour of the 5GMS Application Server allows it to handle 3XX HTTP redirections received from configured media origins and translate these into local redirects to be passed to the Media Stream Handler on the UE. This maintains the connection between the UE and the 5GMS Application Server instead of the UE being redirected to an external server. 👏 Big thank you to the contributors David Waring ( BBC ) , Dev Audsin ( BBC ), Richard Bradbury ( BBC ), Jordi Joan Giménez ( 5G-MAG (5G MEDIA ACTION GROUP) and Daniel Silhavy ( Fraunhofer FOKUS ). 👉 The full release notes can be found here: https://lnkd.in/ejskZd5A 👉 More information about 5G-MAG and the 5G-MAG Reference Tools can be found on our website: developer.5g-mag.com/

  • 5G NPNs for media production in collaboration with third-party networks

    Download (PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/14RRfAEpudQgn7DOkipQLbuNGr_s3pkJ1/view While Non-Public Networks (NPNs) can be self-operated in isolation (see our SNPN Explainer ), they can also be operated in collaboration with third-party networks. The different configuration options and degrees of integration can accommodate a variety of technical, commercial and regulatory models. What are the deployment options? Different elements of the overall 5G system can be deployed in collaboration with third-party networks, including public networks. Two of the most relevant options are sharing network infrastructure and integrating an NPN within a public network, the latter defined in the 3GPP Release 16 specifications. Network sharing Here the NPN is deployed using a combination of infrastructure owned by an NPN operator and part of the infrastructure of a third-party network, either public or private. Options may include sharing masts, sites and/or the RAN (radio access network). This allows multiple NPN operators to share the resources of a single network according to service level agreements. In particular, network sharing models may enable a ‘neutral host’ role, where media companies could access infrastructure on an ad-hoc basis (e.g., in stadiums and venues for given events). This scenario is based on features specified for stand-alone NPNs, whereby each NPN is uniquely identified by a code consisting of an ITU-defined network operator identifier, intended for private use, and a regionally allocated network identifier. This allows equipment (e.g., cameras, microphones, etc.) to be connected to the network without the need for an eSIM or SIM card. Instead, the equipment is configured with credentials specific to the NPN in question. Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN) In this case, a public mobile network provides the network services and functionalities required to operate an NPN. This can be done either using a dedicated Data Network Name (DNN) or via one or more network slice instances allocated for the NPN. In this setup, devices need to have an eSIM or SIM card and a subscription with a mobile network operator to access the PNI-NPN. In addition, 3GPP defines mechanisms to authorize specific equipment and users. PNI-NPN models offer flexibility to deploy, configure and customize the 5G system for private use, leveraging the capabilities of the public network such as its coverage area, backhauling capacity, provisioning of edge cloud resources, etc. Successful deployment depends on the ability of the public network to meet the requirements for media applications. This involves guaranteeing adequate quality of service (QoS) or enabling the isolation and security of the production equipment and media data and control flows in the network, among others. The commercial agreements between the stakeholders involved are also key. Applications for the media industry On-site production and venues with 5G connectivity Media producers may leverage 5G connectivity from third-party networks where available, in particular at venues or for outdoor events. A key feature for such deployments would be the ability to effectively isolate media flows from other traffic in the network. This may be challenging to achieve at the radio layer as simultaneous demand of radio resources is expected during live events, generated from both public and private data traffic. Special events coverage and breaking news reporting Coverage of special events may be handled with professional equipment connected directly to the public 5G network. The application of PNI-NPN functionalities such as the setup of local area networks or the prioritization of traffic by means of network slicing may provide additional advantages. For newsgathering, media organizations are increasingly relying on mobile networks for live contribution with professional cameras equipped with 5G uplink streaming modems. PNI-NPN functionalities may allow the 5G network to fulfill certain QoS requirements, therefore evolving beyond the current “best-effort” cellular bonding. User-generated content and live production with audience involvement When interconnecting a public network with a non-public one, different possibilities for audience engagement or augmented experiences at venues may be possible, while guaranteeing that devices on the public network and the NPN are authenticated independently in their respective networks. 5G-MAG and Non-Public Networks for Media Production 5G-MAG members are studying different ways of using 5G for media production and contribution scenarios. By ensuring the standards are capable of being configured according to differing needs, media organizations are provided with a wide range of possibilities from which to choose depending on the commercial, business and regulatory context. Useful Links 3GPP TR 22.827 v17.1.0 “Study on Audio-Visual Service Production“ 3GPP TS 23.501 v16.7.0 “System architecture for the 5G System (5GS)” GMSA report on “Mobile Infrastructure Sharing”

  • Spectrum for LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast

    Download (PDF) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QN1My95E8r8A0sbl83kynElwIpo8_9g0/view LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast is a broadcast system defined by 3GPP that can be deployed in unpaired downlink-only spectrum (i.e. without the need for an uplink), with dedicated broadcast carriers. Current broadcast allocations in the UHF band may therefore be suitable for the deployment of LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast services. What spectrum is required to deploy LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast? Conventional mobile networks require both a downlink and an uplink. The uplink can use either a different frequency (with a frequency division duplex allocation, Fig. 1a) or the same frequency but at a different time (with a time division duplex allocation). In contrast, LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast is a downlink-only system. It is therefore similar to any existing broadcast standard (Fig. 1b). LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast has the following main features, which enable operation without uplink: Dedicated broadcast carriers: up to 100% of each radio frame may be configured to carry broadcast services and related signalling. No user data nor any other information related to unicast is transmitted. Receive-only mode: user equipment requires neither connectivity nor registration to any network. All the necessary signalling and contextual information is self-contained in the downlink carrier. LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast could be deployed in any mobile downlink band including SDL (supplemental downlink) bands, for example the L-band (1452–1492 MHz). The UHF broadcast bands, from around 470 MHz to 694/698 MHz, depending on the geographical region, may be suitable for LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast as well. However, the channel bandwidth allocations in that portion of the spectrum (6, 7 or 8 MHz depending on the region) do not comply with those currently specified in the 3GPP specifications, i.e., 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 MHz. Using the same bandwidths as other broadcasting systems would maximize compatibility and facilitate the introduction of LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast. As a consequence, new work items (in Rel-17 and Rel-18) have been approved in 3GPP to enable the operation of LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast in UHF broadcast spectrum, potentially alongside existing digital terrestrial television (DTT) systems. To this end, bandwidths of 6, 7 and 8 MHz will be defined. Spectrum options for LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast The Radiocommunication Sector of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-R) is responsible for setting out how radio spectrum is used throughout the world. The regulations are updated by World Radiocommunication Conferences (WRCs) every three to five years. The regulations are legally binding on ITU member states. The sub-700 MHz band (470–694 MHz) is allocated to broadcast services in Region 1 (Europe, Africa and the Middle East). In some countries of Region 2 and in Region 3 the band, or part of the band, is allocated to both broadcast and mobile services, with usage differing between countries. Furthermore, Region 1 uses 8 MHz channel bandwidths for broadcast services, whereas Regions 2 and 3 use a range of different bandwidths (6/7/8 MHz). For instance, the USA uses 6 MHz, while China and India use 8 MHz. ITU Region 1 In Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the use of the UHF band for broadcast services is governed by the Geneva 2006 agreement (GE06), which sets out the rights each country has to deploy a number of DTT services (called layers) in a country. These rights also grant that each service is protected from interference from neighbouring countries. The European Commission made a Decision in 2017 ((EU) 2017/899) to allow the sub-700 MHz band to continue to be made available for broadcast use until at least 2030. Assuming appropriate features are developed for LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast to operate in the portion of UHF spectrum allocated to broadcast systems (e.g., with 8 MHz channels) and that the GE06 out-of-band emissions limits can be respected, the deployment options for LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast services within ITU Region 1 would be as follows: Reuse existing DTT GE06 assignments/allotments – LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast could be used in any existing GE06 assignment/allotment or equivalent, subject to conformity with the GE06 rules. New assignments/allotments in addition to existing DTT GE06 assignments/allotments – new assignments/allotments for LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast could be created alongside existing DTT assignments/allotments under the GE06 framework and new inter-country frequency coordination agreements. Given that the band is already occupied by existing GE06 plan entries, any new assignment/allotments may be of limited utility, especially near international borders ITU Regions 2 and 3 In the rest of the world, there is no equivalent to the GE06 agreement. Each country must negotiate with its neighbours to assign spectrum for broadcasting use, and these negotiations will generally be conducted according to bilaterally-agreed rules and conventions. These negotiations can often be complex, especially in countries whose neighbours use different channel rasters and/or bandwidths. The availability of a wider choice of bandwidths can bring flexibility when it comes to the introduction of new systems. In the United States (Region 2), ATSC 3.0 is the approved voluntary DTT standard being deployed to eventually replace ATSC 1.0. However, regulatory flexibility may permit non-ATSC 3.0 waveforms such as LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast to share the DTT spectrum to provide ancillary and supplementary downlink services (e.g., so-called “Broadcast Internet”). In Brazil (Region 2), LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast is a candidate for the physical layer for the next generation “TV 3.0 Project”. In India (Region 3), the public broadcaster has exclusive use of the allocated DTT spectrum and is evaluating options for its future digital standard for direct-to-mobile broadcast and offload from unicast. This may present an opportunity to use LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast. Useful Links ETSI TS 103 720 V1.1.1 (2020-12), 5G Broadcast System for linear TV and radio services; LTE-based 5G terrestrial broadcast system World Radiocommunication Conference 2015 (WRC-15), Geneva, Switzerland, November 2015 Regional Radiocommunications Conference (RRC-06), Geneva, Switzerland May/June 2006

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