TDF Launches a 5G Broadcast Certification Platform
TDF, a leading player in technological innovation for broadcasting and connectivity, announces the launch of a 5G Broadcast certification platform. Designed to test, validate, and structure the ecosystem of this revolutionary broadcasting technology, the platform aims to ensure equipment interoperability and accelerate market adoption. This unique initiative in Europe, deployed at TDF’s campus (in Les Lilas, Seine-Saint-Denis, France), will bring together broadcasters, equipment manufacturers, and chipset producers.
5G Broadcast enables smartphones, tablets, and other compatible devices to receive linear TV programs without requiring Wi-Fi or mobile data consumption, providing a high-performance, eco-friendly alternative, even in areas of high congestion or network saturation.
The TDF 5G Broadcast certification platform: a cutting-edge infrastructure with advanced digital tools
Following the successful large-scale 5G Broadcast live test conducted during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the first of its kind worldwide, TDF continues its commitment by launching a dedicated structure to support the progressive deployment of this technology in France, serving both the broadcast industry and technology providers.
The TDF 5G Broadcast certification platform includes a state-of-the-art testing, located within TDF’s technology campus (Île-de-France), featuring advanced testing infrastructure, standardized software tools, and rigorous validation protocols for associated equipment and technologies.
The platform will enable the testing of a wide range of devices and solutions, including:
Compatible smartphones and tablets (sensitivity, reception, and software compatibility evaluation).
Middleware and standalone software solutions.
Broadcast infrastructure equipment.
Monetization technologies, including targeted advertising and interactive features.
Mobile applications.
A certification process that strengthens the French broadcasting market
TDF positions itself as a key player in validating and certifying 5G Broadcast equipment, leveraging international technology standards (3GPP, DVB) and insights from early pilot deployments.
The certification process is based on:
Modular and rigorous testing protocols to ensure compliance with technical standards.
Evaluation of critical criteria, including signal robustness, reception sensitivity, energy efficiency, and environmental impact.
The awarding of a certification label, ensuring optimal interoperability for broadcasters and manufacturers.
From R&D to commercial deployment: accelerating market adoption
Beyond technical validation, the platform aims to facilitate the industrialization and large-scale deployment of 5G Broadcast equipment, supporting broader adoption within the market.
Through this initiative, TDF and its partners will explore end-to-end use cases that align with broadcasters' needs and evolving consumption habits—particularly among younger, urban audiences who increasingly watch content on mobile devices.
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Karim El Naggar, Head of Audiovisual & Networks at TDF, stated:
“We are proud to announce that the 5G Broadcast platform will be soon operational at our Les Lilas site. This milestone marks a crucial step in our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the needs of our clients and partners. With this initiative, as a broadcast network operator, TDF reaffirms its role as a pioneer in the evolution of broadcasting technologies and strengthens its contribution to shaping the future of mobile television. By bringing together industry players—including broadcast equipment manufacturers, chipset & OEM manufacturers, as well as software solution providers—we are paving the way for the next generation of broadcasting.”