In our series introducing the ONE4HDD consortium partners we turn the spotlight on Ateme to discuss efficiency, scalability and monetisation.

Tell us about the role Ateme plays in the ONE4HDD project?

Ateme is in charge of the encoding and packaging component for the ONE4HDD solution. In addition, Ateme is exploring an advanced service layer, leveraging both 5G point-to-point and point-to-multipoint transmissions to increase robustness and scalability and offering enriched services.

What unique experience and expertise does Ateme bring to the consortium?

Ateme's TITAN Live high-density video processing solution is being utilised for efficient compression and packaging of audio and video feeds. TITAN Live's versatility allows it to handle multiple real-time streams simultaneously and is flexible for deployment in various environments, including MEC infrastructure.

What are you most excited about for the ONE4HDD project?

This project offers a very first 5G Multicast Broadcast Service (5MBS) implementation with a very high Technology Readiness Level (TRL), paving the way for new, enriched experiences in venues and increasing fan engagement.

What do you think makes this a gamechanger?

There have been several attempts to deploy mobile broadcast in the past, based on various technologies, derived from DTT standards or from 4G. The issue has always been the unavailability of end devices supporting the function. ONE4HDD is focusing on achieving mobile broadcast with commercial smartphones, off the shelf, without requiring additional hardware or firmware. Solving the device availability challenge would tremendously enlarge perspectives and possible use cases.

How does your company's involvement align with your overall business strategy and vision for the future?

Ateme develops solutions that power sustainable TV services and generate new revenue streams based on personalisation and ad insertion. Mobile Broadcast is an important technology to distribute high quality services in a dense environment, in a sustainable and scalable way. Designing an advanced service layer will help offering Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI) in a multicast environment, which is a key feature for monetisation.

Tell us more about the importance of cross-industry collaboration in unlocking the potential of technology.

All actors from the value chain are required, from the content owners, the technology providers to the network operator.  Technology providers could first perform an end-to-end validation of the technology in lab, but all are required to evaluate its commercial potential for fan engagement by deploying it during real events.

How important is the role of government funding in ensuring the above?

Some aspects of the project are exploratory and require a collective and managed effort from the different partners. At the same time, we are targeting a high level of maturity for the solution, in a short time span.  Such outcomes would be difficult to achieve without the support of the government.

What long-term impact do you hope your contributions to this consortium will have?

This project is pioneer of the 5MBS technology and could be decisive to shape this emerging market.

In the first of our ONE4HDD Partner Profiles we meet the consortium’s lead Partner – the DTG. We find out more about their role in the project, their unique expertise, and why this solution is a gamechanger.

Tell us about the role the Digital TV Group (DTG) plays in the ONE4HDD project?

The Digital TV Group (DTG) is a top-flight UK technology Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) and the lead partner on this project. We provide the project management to ensure successful milestone and overall project delivery on time and in budget including responsibility for the process and stakeholders from bid submission to project completion. We do this using our bespoke project management framework developed by the DTG throughout its extensive experience in externally-funded projects. We utilise the DTG’s extensive member network to identify and recruit relevant project partners and to ensure best-fit for individual consortia and funders.

What unique experience and expertise does the DTG bring to the consortium?

We combine technical expertise and understanding with a peerless network to drive exceptional results. As an RTO, with UKAS-accredited technology test labs in Central London, we understand the entire landscape and end-to-end value chain. We have access to world-class assets – including the DTG Zoo, the largest collection of receivers in Europe – and a proven track record in delivering winning bids, successful projects and tangible outputs. Our relationships with all the players in the market, thanks to our member network, and our proximity to Government and Regulators places us firmly at the centre of technology advances in this sector.

What are you most excited about for the ONE4HDD project?

It sounds obvious but bringing genuine collaborative innovation to bear to unlock the potential of 5G broadcast. We’re not only keeping fans close to the action we’re keeping venues and networks close to their customers. And we’re showcasing the first true implementation of content security and access control over mobile broadcast networks.

What do you think makes this a gamechanger?

We’re developing and deploying a real solution to a real problem. This is practical and cost-effective, meaning it democratises the fan experience. This is not just for premium events and fixtures, this can be deployed by anyone, anywhere and that genuinely changes the game.

How does your company's involvement align with your overall business strategy and vision for the future?

As an RTO we are dedicated to innovation and the best outcomes for the broadcast and streaming sector. We achieve that as a company through pan-sector collaboration. Our members and our 15+ National Working Groups work together to overcome real world problems while always considering the bigger picture. That collaborative approach, driving bleeding-edge innovation while ensuring no viewer is left behind, is the absolute centre of who we are and what we do. This project is the perfect example of sector specialists coming together to create future-proofed answers to the knottiest questions.

Tell us more about the importance of cross-industry collaboration in unlocking the potential of technology.

It’s our raison d’etre. It’s why we were founded originally and it continues to be the beating heart of everything we do. In an increasingly competitive landscape, we seek to carve out spaces where the very best thinking can be brought together to leverage solutions for the good of the whole ecosystem and ultimately the user experience.

How important is the role of government funding in ensuring the above?

It’s critical that Gov supports this kind of initiative and innovation, of course with funding to make it happen, but also just be ensuring it is on the agenda and that industry is encouraged to work together to unlock R&D impasses which otherwise would not be resolved by market forces alone. It is only by bringing together those closest to issues, those driving the agenda and those leading legislative change that we will create holistic, workable and elegant solutions for the users of tomorrow.

What long-term impact do you hope your contributions to this consortium will have?

Our role is to create both a solution and an environment in which it can be deployed. We want to see this adopted, adapted and moved on by those applying the solution in real-world situations. We will ensure this is possible with effective stakeholder engagement and open access to the project outputs and learning. Each step and each breakthrough enables the next to take place more rapidly and we see our contribution very much as the next step on an exciting (and never-ending) journey!

The Digital TV Group (DTG), in partnership with Ateme, Imaginary Pictures, Virgin Media O2 and University of Surrey have successfully secured Government funding to develop a solution to optimise mobile network performance in High Demand Density (HDD) environments such as music festivals, sporting events, and major public gatherings.

The 5G ONE4HDD consortium aims to design and deploy a Mobile 'Cell on Wheels' (CoW) equipped with Open RAN (Radio Access Network) technology, offering reliable connectivity in crowded venues.

Our technical approach involves the development of a portable cell site, capable of serving hundreds of users simultaneously. This cell site will utilise cutting-edge Open RAN technology and advanced codecs to ensure high-quality data transmission even in the busiest environments. We will also explore the provision of services such as 'over-the-top’ (OTT) video, social media, emergency broadcasts, and standard telephony.

The £2.64m project has received £1.47m from the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of its Open Network Ecosystems competition, an £88m research and development boost for innovative connectivity to future proof UK mobile network.

Our consortium comprises expert partners from across key sectors including mobile network optimisation, broadcast services, video compression and content delivery, cellular radio technologies, and cybersecurity. Consortium partners Ateme, DTG, Imaginary Pictures, Virgin Media O2, and the University of Surrey will be supported by CellXica Radios & Wavemobile and Rohde & Schwarz.

The project also prioritises cybersecurity, with measures managed by the University of Surrey to ensure robust protection against potential threats. It means our solution will not only enhance mobile network performance but also ensure user data privacy and security.

Speaking at today’s Ministerial Announcement event, Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure John Whittingdale said: “Whether you’re in a busy city centre or a rural village, a fast and reliable mobile connection is vital to staying in touch, accessing services and doing business.

“In order to secure that, we need to embrace a diverse and secure range of technology that will underpin the network.

“The projects we’re backing today with £88 million in Government research and development investment will use innovative Open RAN solutions to make our mobile networks more adaptable and resilient, with future-proofed technology to support bringing lightning-fast connections across the country for many years to come.”

Speaking at the same launch event, DTG CTO Alex Buchan said: “The Digital TV Group and its 5G ONE4HDD consortium partners are delighted to have been selected by DSIT as part of the Open Network Ecosystems competition.

“We believe it is vital that content continues to delight the viewer, wherever they are and whenever they are watching. The 5G ONE4HDD project will address the crucial challenge of delivering reliable mobile connectivity in crowded settings, thereby enhancing user experience and fostering technological innovation in the UK.

“We’re excited to get to work with an incredible group of experts to drive tangible, positive impacts in the Open RAN space.”

Ateme CTO Mickaël Raulet said: “With new generations seeking experiences that converge video with social media, gaming, and even shoppable TV, seamless connectivity is crucial, especially in crowded spaces. We are thrilled to be part of the 5G ONE4HDD consortium alongside such outstanding partners, working together to enable new and exciting experiences for fan communities in high-density environments. Our gratitude extends to the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology for their support.” 

Imaginary Pictures Technical Director Kevin Zemrowsky said: "Imaginary Pictures is thrilled to be a part of the groundbreaking 5G ONE4HDD project, revolutionising mobile network performance in high-demand density environments like music festivals and major events. Collaborating with industry leaders Virgin Media O2, DTG, and ATEME, this project is another step on the road to the future of live events, where innovation and connectivity converge to create extraordinary experiences.”

Dr Haitham Cruickshank from the University of Surrey said: "The University of Surrey's 6G Innovation Centre will be responsible for the security of group communications in our ONE4HDD applications. This will include managing secure keys for group messages and ensuring that the data shared is both safe and private."  

Head of Technical Trial at Virgin Media O2 Dr David Owens said: "We are delighted to secure funding for the ONE4HDD project as the lead technical partner. DSIT's recognition of our solution's potential to enhance mobile network performance in High Demand Density (HDD) environments, such as music festivals and major events, is truly encouraging. Our goal is to ensure high-quality video transmission even in the most crowded spaces, thereby advancing the adoption of Open RAN technology in the UK and enhancing the mobile network experience for all. “In addition to our core objectives, we are thrilled to announce that we will be trialling the 5G Broadcast Service in high demand environments. This marks a significant stride in the future of mobile TV, promising a seamless and high-quality mobile TV experience even at packed events. The ONE4HDD project not only aims to enhance video service but also looks to revolutionise how people enjoy mobile content and entertainment in crowded settings. We are committed to pushing the boundaries of open network technology, and this funding brings us closer to achieving our vision."