RTL Deutschland has announced the launch of a private 5G network in time for the forthcoming UEFA EURO 2024 tournament.
The company said it is deploying Deutsche Telekom’s ‘Campus-Netz Private’ (Private Campus Network) solution, becoming the first in Germany to provide its production studios with customised in-house 5G infrastructure.
The 5G architecture supports data intensive applications with ultra-short response times, said RTL Deutschland, delivering faster data processing speeds. It enables the use of wireless cameras both inside and outside the studios, as well as wireless microphones, intercom system and dedicated internet access. The company also stated it will be trialling “other production-relevant systems” via 5G.
The 5G network will cover a total of 35,000 square metres, which will include a site next to the company’s Cologne broadcasting centre where EURO 2024 matches will be streamed for the public to watch. All data traffic remains within the private network, which operates independently from the public mobile network.
RTL Deutschland can customise the network with various functions manageable on-demand. Data traffic can be prioritised for specific applications. Bandwidths of around 500 megabits per second will be used for live productions. The network operates across frequencies reserved for RTL Deutschland in 3.7 to 3.8 gigahertz range, with up to 100 megahertz available exclusively for broadcasting.The delay rate will not exceed 25 milliseconds, said the company.
Matthias Dang, chief commercial, technology and data officer at RTL Deutschland, said: “At RTL Deutschland, we produce must-see content in outstanding quality. In partnership with Deutsche Telekom, we are now operating an independent 5G mobile network at our broadcasting centre in Cologne, to bring our high-reach content to our viewers and users even more conveniently and efficiently. This is the next step in our innovation partnership.”
