TDF Commits to 5G Broadcast
TDF today unveils the results of a study conducted jointly with Kantar on the potential of 5G Broadcast, an innovative technology that enables optimal mobile television reception. The study highlights strong public interest and concludes that this is a major advancement for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), opening up new opportunities for broadcasters
A few months after the success of the 5G Broadcast Live Test launched during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the world's first large-scale 5G Broadcast broadcasting, TDF is now anticipating its deployment in collaboration with its broadcasting partners.
5G Broadcast technology allows people equipped with a compatible smartphone to receive linear TV programs without requiring a Wi-Fi connection or consuming mobile data consumption.
The new survey conducted by Kantar reveals a strong appetite among the public for mobile viewing
Conducted for TDF in January 2025 on a representative sample of 2,045 French individuals aged 16 and over, the survey reveals a strong enthusiasm for mobile television viewing outside the home:
24% of people aged 15 to 49 watch classic TV programs live on their mobile at least once a month.
Public transport is a key place for video consumption.
More than 1 in 2 people aged 15-49 say they are ready to use 5G Broadcast to watch TV on the go.
A High-Performance and Responsible Technology
5G Broadcast combines performance and energy sobriety:
It provides a seamless, latency-free experience, similar to DTT.
It allows users to watch television for free, without consuming mobile data—an essential advantage for viewers.
Leveraging existing infrastructure, it could be available nationwide, making it ideal for live events and travel.
Like DTT, it is less energy-intensive than internet networks, reducing its environmental impact.
High-Quality Use Cases for a Connected Population
TDF has combined the findings of the Kantar survey with those from Médiamétrie’s benchmark "Global Video" study to project usage and audience potential for 5G Broadcast.
The results of this unprecedented study have been shared with the leading DTT broadcasters:
A younger, more urban population eager for digital content will be able to access an unmatched mobile viewing experience on the move.
Enabling 5G Broadcast on smartphones enhances mobile offerings: the quality and seamlessness of DTT merge with the smartphone’s natural interactivity, bridging linear and non-linear content with personalized and uninterrupted contextualization.
This offer aligns with current trends in mobile video consumption while meeting user expectations.
In partnership with broadcasters and audiovisual stakeholders, TDF is actively preparing the future of terrestrial broadcasting, in line with evolving viewer habits, responsible innovation, and the continued pluralism of DTT.
Karim El Naggar, General Manager for Audiovisual and Networks, TDF, said:
"As mobile video consumption becomes essential, the mobile broadcasting of DTT channels presents an opportunity for seamless and direct access, ultimately expanding their audience. As a technological and strategic partner to broadcasters, we continue to innovate alongside them to support usage trends and address their needs: rejuvenating audiences, enabling mobile viewing, and managing carbon footprints. 5G Broadcast is a solution that meets these challenges, and we are eager to deploy it ".
Jacques Donat-Bouillud, Director of Distribution at France Télévisions, said:
"The 5G Broadcast experiment during the Paris Olympic Games, in which France Télévisions participated as a partner, demonstrated its potential to support new viewing habits, particularly among younger audiences on the move. 5G Broadcast exemplifies technological innovation that respects the environment while enabling France Télévisions to better serve its viewers ".