5G Broadcast technology, whose standardization was completed in December 2025 (link alla news), will enable the delivery of live TV programmes to next-generation mobile phones without using mobile data traffic and without overloading cellular networks. The system is based on broadcast transmission in the UHF band (470-694 MHz), adopting a principle similar to that of Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and leveraging the resilience of the TV distribution network’s towers. This infrastructure can also be used to deliver critical information to mobile devices during emergency situations, ensuring reliable communications even when cellular networks are congested or partially unavailable.

Rai CRITS has followed the development of the system through laboratory and field studies and trials during the various phases of the standardization process. Following an initial phase of technical trials using professional prototype equipment, launched in 2015 [1], the availability of the first smartphones equipped with 5G Broadcast functionality has enabled functional testing in more realistic scenarios.

Since November 2024, Rai has been running a pilot project to provide 5G Broadcast coverage in Italy’s main metropolitan areas, with the continuous transmission (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) of three TV channels dedicated to news, music and entertainment.

With the activation of transmissions in Rome and Turin, an extensive measurement campaign was conducted, making it possible to assess the potential of 5G Broadcast for mobile pedestrian and in vehicles reception [2].

1. Bertella, A De Vita, AL Castello, V Mignone, G. Vitale, “5G-Broadcast: Laboratory Tests and Field Trials for the Mobile TV of Tomorrow”, in SMPTE Motion Imaging Journal, vol. 132, no. 7, pp. 45-61, August 2023, DOI:10.5594/JMI.2023.3286874, https://journal.smpte.org/periodicals/SMPTE%20Motion%20Imaging%20Journal/132/7/19/
2. M. Pandolfi, A. Bertella, A. De Vita, A. Lucco Castello, D. Milanesio, G. Vitale, “5G Broadcast TV Service Trials in Major Italian Cities”, IBC 2025 Conference, Amsterdam, 12-15 September 2025