Telstra Broadcast Services releases results of 5G slicing trials

Findings from more than 18 months of live trials on the public 5G network have demonstrated the ability to deliver broadcast quality video, even during high network congestion
10 September 2024 · 2 minute read

AMSTERDAM, 13 September 2024– Telstra Broadcast Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Australia’s leading telecommunications and technology company, has published the results of Telstra’s new slicing technology on the public 5G network at the annual International Broadcast Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam.

These trials, conducted in collaboration with multiple national broadcasters during major sporting and cultural events over the last 18 months, sought to validate different 5G slicing techniques in their ability to provide easy, nationwide access to stable broadcast-quality video feeds – which has traditionally been done via satellite or dedicated fibre.

Over the course of these trials, Telstra explored multiple forms of prioritisation, with key learnings made on the significance of quality install procedure as well as the network behaviour during busy events.

In February 2024, Telstra announced its commitment to deploy 5G slicing in Australia, creating a dynamic 5G slicing ecosystem. This resulted in additional broadcast trials at more major events, proving the technology not only feasible but also potentially more accessible.  Trials also validated that the technology could be used for low latency remote production, as well as reliable single uplinks, analogous to satellite.

The technical paper covering these trials, titled Sub-6GHz 5G Slicing on Public Networks {Field Results, Observations and Roadmap to Ubiquitous 5G Access for Professional Media}, was selected for publication by the IBC Technical Papers Committee and will be presented on 15 September at 14:30 local time by its author, Angus Stewart, Product Lead for Media Solutions at Telstra Broadcast Services.

“We are very proud to contribute our insights to the international community on this transformative technology,” says Angus. “With strong collaboration and a common approach to professional cellular media use cases, we can remove the barriers to adoption and ensure that high quality video contribution over 5G is accessible to everyone”.

Seeking collaboration and feedback from international peers and partners in advance of their national 5G slicing technology rollout, Telstra will also be exhibiting at IBC 2024 (Stand 5.C71). Here they will be showcasing their global media network connectivity and managed media services, such as virtual advertising, media production, playout, OTT streaming and 24/7 operations support.

About Telstra Broadcast Services

Telstra Broadcast Services (TBS) helps broadcast, media, sports, and entertainment companies around the world via its robust, high-capacity global media networks and suite of innovative managed services. Through its international field services, special events teams, and worldwide broadcast operations centers, TBS provides a dedicated team of media industry professionals, high-performance media networks, online video and cloud platforms, satellite services, and 24/7 bookings, operations and engineering support. 

TBS is part of Telstra, a leading telecommunications and technology company that provides end-to-end solutions globally and offers access to more than 2,000 points of presence across the world. Among its offerings, Telstra provides data and IP networks and network application services, along with professional and managed services to find innovative solutions to customer challenges and help them on their transformation journey to thrive. 

For more information about TBS, 5G slicing, global connectivity or other media services, please visit Telstra Broadcast Services or contact TBS Marketing.