LTE network tested for video broadcasting

Date: 28/10/2013
With the high bandwidth ability, LTE allows service providers to explore new revenue generation avenues. One such area is digital video and most read content broadcasting. Australia's telecom service provider Telstra has completed the world's first LTE video broadcast session on a commercial LTE network by using Ericsson's LTE Broadcast Solution.

During the demonstration, the devices received different video feeds, including a sports match replay, sporting network news, horse racing coverage and news. Additionally, the devices received a large file using the single LTE Broadcast channel.

Mike Wright, Telstra Executive Director, Networks said: "The trial is an important step in testing this technology to see how it provides network efficiencies while providing consumers the content they want in a high-quality experience. Our goal is to ensure consumers can get the content they are looking for easily and to explore the wider benefits that might be obtained using broadcasting technology."

Thomas Norén, Vice President and Head of Project Area Radio, Ericsson says: "LTE Broadcast provides the ability to send the same content simultaneously to a very large number of devices in a target area. Mobile operators can use this ability and monetize their media and network assets for new services. Revenue generation and cost-saving opportunities are significant and provide an attractive value proposition for mobile operators."

Ericsson said "Qualcomm Labs' LTE Broadcast SDK and Middleware enabled these features on the trial devices running on Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and integrated modem platforms. "

"This is a significant milestone towards making LTE Broadcast a commercial reality," said Mazen Chmaytelli, senior director of business development, Qualcomm Labs, Inc. "We are pleased to be working closely with Telstra and Ericsson to deliver an enhanced mobile experience using Qualcomm Labs' LTE Broadcast SDK and Middleware running on Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and integrated modem platforms."

Unique content can be delivered concurrently to a large number of subscribers, for example multiple video feeds with different angles for close-up views or replays during live sporting events. Other uses include sending updates and content to digital signage or billboards.

Consumers can also enjoy pre-loaded updates of things like software or the morning paper, so they don't need to wait for downloads in high-traffic situations.

Ericsson's Mobility Report 2013 predicts that video traffic in mobile networks will grow by around 60 percent annually until 2018. LTE Broadcast enhances LTE unicast delivery to ensure the most effective delivery of content to very large numbers of consumers in a particular area. Today, leading LTE mobile operators are trialing the technology and use cases globally to explore the business potential.