Unlocking the Future of Live Event Streaming with 5G ONE4HDD

Christophe Burdinat, Director – Technology and Standards, Ateme

The way we experience live events is evolving rapidly, and as we push the boundaries of what’s possible, seamless, high-quality connectivity is becoming non-negotiable. The 5G ONE4HDD project set out to explore how 5G broadcast technology can enhance fan engagement, providing a reliable and scalable solution for live event streaming in high-demand environments.

At Ateme, we’ve long been at the forefront of innovation in video delivery, and working alongside our consortium partners on this DSIT-funded initiative has been an incredible opportunity to test new capabilities and assess real-world feasibility. Over the course of just 18 months, the project has taken us from technical exploration to live demonstrations at major events, such as the UK Superbikes final at Brands Hatch. The insights gained will be instrumental in shaping the future of media distribution.

The Challenge: Bringing Live Video to Every Fan

The core objective of 5G ONE4HDD was to enable a light, deployable ‘Cell on Wheels’ capable of delivering a reliable, point-to-multipoint network for large-scale events. We focused on scenarios where traditional connectivity falls short—whether due to venue size or high audience density.

A prime example is motorsport. At a race like MotoGP, fans at the circuit only see brief glimpses of the action unless there are strategically placed screens or a dedicated app streaming live footage. Our tests at Brands Hatch confirmed the appetite for such a solution, particularly in venues that lack extensive fixed infrastructure. While Tier 1 venues have invested in Wi-Fi and 5G upgrades, there is significant interest in lightweight, easily deployable alternatives like the 5G ONE4HDD solution.

Evaluating the Right Network for the Job

Delivering seamless live video to mobile devices in high-density environments requires a robust, scalable technology. Our focus was on two main approaches:

Device compatibility remains the primary hurdle for mobile broadcasting. 5MBS, while promising, is not yet supported in commercial smartphones, making its near-term viability uncertain. In contrast, 5G Broadcast is gaining momentum, particularly in Europe, where broadcasters have united under a memorandum of understanding. The large-scale trials conducted by TDF during the Olympics demonstrated its potential.

Given these factors, 5G Broadcast emerged as the most viable candidate for our live demonstrations, complementing previous work in the 5G-VISTA project, where smartphone receivers showcased the full potential of the technology. However, widespread adoption will hinge on smartphone manufacturers integrating 5G Broadcast capabilities—a development we eagerly anticipate.

Monetisation and Service Resilience: The Key to Success

Beyond connectivity, the success of 5G ONE4HDD hinges on how services are structured and monetised. The shift from traditional broadcast to IP-based distribution opens up exciting possibilities, particularly with Hybrid Adaptive Streaming (HAS) technology. This approach enables:

Looking Ahead: Enabling the Next Generation of Live Streaming

5G ONE4HDD has provided a unique platform to explore these advanced use cases and refine our service layer. While smartphone prototypes for 5G Broadcast are still limited in their ability to support parallel broadband connectivity, we are eager to see these capabilities mature and become commercially viable.

For Ateme, this project has reinforced the importance of a flexible, scalable approach to live video distribution. The ability to monetise content through targeted advertising, combined with the robustness offered by hybrid unicast repair, will be crucial for successful deployment.

As the industry moves forward, we remain committed to driving innovation in live event streaming, ensuring that fans everywhere can stay connected to the action—no matter where they are in the venue. The future of broadcast is evolving, and 5G ONE4HDD is paving the way for a more immersive and accessible experience for all.

5G ONE4HDD enhances fan experience at England's victory over Japan at Twickenham

England's rugby team delivered an impressive 59-14 win against Japan in the final game of the Autumn Nations Series at Twickenham on Sunday, and the innovative 5G ONE4HDD Cell on Wheels (COW) ensured fans stayed connected to the action.

The COW provided cutting-edge connectivity, enabling fans to enjoy enhanced mobile streaming and robust network performance from O2’s Blueroom during the game. Highlights from England’s victory included tries from Ben Earl, Sam Underhill, and Marcus Smith's stellar 14-point contribution. Japan fought valiantly, with standout tries from Naoto Saito and Kazuki Himeno.

The deployment of the ONE4HDD COW showcased the potential of 5G technology to transform fan experiences at live events, combining reliable connectivity with immersive engagement. This marks another milestone in the project’s mission to optimise mobile networks in high-demand settings.

Check out some of the highlights from the day below, including behind-the-scenes pics of the COW in action and the vibrant O2 Blueroom setup.

ONE4HDD Achieves Major Milestone with Final 5G Demonstration at UK Superbikes Final

The ONE4HDD consortium is excited to announce the successful conclusion of its final demonstration at the UK Superbikes final at Brands Hatch. This groundbreaking event built on the progress of previous demonstrations, showcasing the rapid deployment and high-performance capabilities of a fully UK-built 5G mobile network.

Key Wins:

The consumer research highlights strong demand for the ONE4HDD solution, with participants praising its ability to enhance race visibility and engagement. Users found the app intuitive, seamlessly complementing their live viewing experience by providing access to out-of-sight areas of the track and additional race data. The audio commentary was noted for adding clarity to the action, with many triallists expressing a willingness to pay for the service as part of an upgraded ticket package. The overwhelmingly positive response points to clear commercial potential for wider adoption across motorsport and other live events.

The system's success in managing the intense demand for mobile data, which outstripped the venue’s existing mobile infrastructure, is a major achievement for the consortium and a leap forward in proving the commercial viability of 5G in High Demand Density (HDD) settings such as sports events, festivals, and concerts.

Alex Buchan, CTO, Digital TV Group, said: "This final demonstration of ONE4HDD is a fantastic culmination of months of innovation and collaboration. We've shown that 5G can dramatically improve the fan experience at live events by ensuring uninterrupted access to high-quality content. We’re proud to have led such a forward-looking consortium, and this is only the beginning for what we can achieve with 5G in the media industry. The project has been made possible thanks to funding from DSIT as part of the future networks programme which has provided the opportunity to unlock commercial impasses and drive this innovative technology towards live deployments."

DSIT used the event to create its own showcase video case study of the project, interviewing the consortium partners and capturing ONE4HDD in action. You can view it here.

David Owens, Head of Technical Trials, Virgin Media O2: "Virgin Media O2 is proud to be at the forefront of trialling innovative 5G solutions. The success of this final demonstration shows how quickly 5G networks can be deployed, and how they can offer high-bandwidth, high-quality connectivity in even the busiest environments. This is a game-changer for the events industry."

Christophe Burdinat, Director – Technology and Standards, Ateme: "Our technology has played a key role in ensuring the seamless compression and broadcast of video content to attendees. This demonstration proved the power of 5G Broadcast in creating immersive experiences. We're excited to see how this technology will transform content delivery at live events globally."

Kevin Zemrowsky, Technical Director, Imaginary Pictures: "Our team provided the critical interface between practical live production and this advanced R&D project, bringing the action closer to the fans. This real-world demonstration of live video capture and streaming using 5G Broadcast is a major step forward, proving what’s possible for event broadcasting."

Dr Mohammad Shojafar, Associate Professor in Network Security, University of Surrey: "With 5G, ensuring secure and reliable data transmission is critical. Our work on the security aspects of the multicast/broadcast network in this project ensures that both privacy and performance can be achieved in the field. We are excited about the future potential for 5G’s impact on secure group communications."

ONE4HDD will next be deployed at Twickenham on November 24th for the final match of the Autumn Nations Series 2024 – England v Japan.

Final System Shake-Down at the British Drone Racing Association UK 2024 Championships

The British Drone Racing Association (BDRA) held its UK 2024 Championships at the British Model Flying Association headquarters in Buckminster. During this event, the One4HDD project conducted its final system shake-down, successfully proving the technology, systems and deployment processes..

The temporary site deployment, of our Cell On wheels, showcased all the essential elements needed to deliver a high-quality 2G/4G/5G service, with a particular focus on a premium 5G multicast broadcast service, proving the ability to stream live video directly from a camera to viewers' mobile devices at the event getting fans closer to the action. A number of key factors were put to the test, including 5G video services and conducting Customer Experience Testing (CET).

This follows the announcement on 17th June regarding our system shake-down at the Weston Park International Airshow. At that event, the ONE4HDD project successfully demonstrated its 'drive-in and deploy' 5G solution in real-time.

The Weston Park demonstration proved that the mobile system could be driven to a high-density event, set up, and be ready to broadcast in just a few hours. This milestone brings the project closer to future technical and consumer trials, where we will refine the 4G and 5G elements and deploy the Customer Experience Testing equipment.

The end-to-end technical shake-down included key components from consortium partners, including Ateme, DTG, Imaginary Pictures, VMO2, the University of Surrey, and our suppliers. The production vehicle provided by Imaginary Pictures was fitted with production and master control systems for camera inputs, and Ateme's technology handled video and audio compression, ultimately looking to deliver a multicast broadcast service.

ATS Group supplied the transmission vehicle, equipped with a 4.5KVA generator, a battery backup system, Starlink internet connectivity, and a mast supporting both 4G and 5G mobile network solutions. Virgin Media O2, who also provides technical leadership for the project, developed the mobile application that allowed event attendees to receive the broadcast, while Wavemobile delivered the crucial 4G and 5G radio solution.

Connecting crowds enhancing experiences…

A New Era of Broadcasting: 5G Broadcast Demo by TDF at the Olympic Games

Originally published in TVBEurope

As the CTO of the Digital TV Group (DTG), I have witnessed numerous advancements in broadcasting technology over the years. However, the latest 5G Broadcast initiative by TDF, in collaboration with partners like partners like France Television, R&S, Ateme, Xiaomi and Qualcomm among others during the Olympic Games, is particularly impressive.

Spanning three cities Paris, Nantes, and Bordeaux, and operational for the duration of the Olympic Games this summer, TDF will deliver linear live TV and radio services over 5G Broadcast. I had the opportunity to travel to Paris at the invitation of TDF to see the groundbreaking system in action.

5G Broadcast proofs of concept have been showcased in various countries before, covering a range of events. What sets TDF’s effort apart, other than transmitting from one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower, is their strategic vision.

While previous demos have primarily been exploratory, TDF’s initiative is the beginning of a long-term strategy aimed at reaching 27 million viewers with 5G Broadcast by 2030. This ambitious goal is backed by substantial groundwork under their “Programme 5G Broadcast,” which includes technical implementation, network planning, marketing, communications, benchmarking, and compliance with standards and regulations.

Their plan includes migrating their UHD mux to 5G Broadcast by 2028 and converting their national Pay TV mux by 2030. The Olympic Games coverage is the first significant milestone in this plan. For this event, TDF is providing linear services over 5G Broadcast, offering TV from France TV, Arte, and France Media Mode, as well as radio from France Info and France Bleu. The TV services are broadcast in 720P or 1080P, depending on the available bandwidth.

A crucial aspect of this project is TDF’s partnership with Xiaomi, a major handset provider. Xiaomi has configured their Mi13 handsets to support 5G Broadcast using Qualcomm middleware, a critical step in the support for 5G Broadcast rollout. TDF has distributed these handsets to 250 selected users, including influencers and industry stakeholders, who can access the 5G broadcast services via the TNT app called “InsTNT.” This app also allows users to provide real-time feedback, helping TDF build an overview of the demand for these new services.

TDF’s vision for 5G Broadcast extends beyond France. They plan to incrementally expand this technology across Europe in parallel with commercial handset support, generating revenue from advertising. Research supported by Media Broadcast in Germany indicates substantial market potential, with two-thirds of respondents aged 16 to 50+ showing strong interest. There is particular enthusiasm for watching linear TV on the move without relying on mobile networks or Wi-Fi, which could drive the uptake of public service TV on the go. This new capability could attract new audiences in various scenarios, such as waiting in train stations or travelling, with potential advertising revenue exceeding 500 million Euros annually within five years of implementation.

Other countries, including Spain, Italy, and Estonia, are also launching similar services, with many more running trials and projects. In the UK, the ONE4HDD project is exploring 5G Broadcast for enhanced user experiences at sporting events, using one of TDF’s handsets to gather feedback.

ONE4HDD, led by the DTG, will also be looking at additional advanced 5G Broadcast functionality as part of its R&D work such as the inclusion of dynamic ad-insertion to support personalised features, MPEG-H interactive audio, and conditional access to enable categories of users.

Marquee events like the recent Euros or the Olympics are prime examples where this type of technology is a game-changer.  Of the back of this, other use cases such Smart Stadia will be enabled through the proliferation of 5G Broadcast compatible networks and devices. The ONE4HDD consortium will be outlining the result of its project investigating this use case at the end of March 2025.

 But in the nearer term, TDF’s transition of 5G Broadcast from niche demonstrations to a commercial service is now a tangible reality. It promises to reach new audiences with linear TV content, modernise DTT networks, and introduce innovative features for smartphones.

I am genuinely excited about the potential of this technology and the future it heralds for broadcasting. Audiences having access to live, linear TV on the move, at the station, at the park with friends, without the need for internet access or even a subscription of any kind, will open up a host of new opportunities for broadcasters and for the future of public service TV. Bring on the Games!

Partner Profile: Meet Ateme

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.

Partner Profile: Meet the Digital TV Group (DTG)

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!

ONE4HDD successfully demonstrates ‘drive-in and deploy’ 5G delivery solution at Airshow ‘system shake-down’

The ONE4HDD consortium is delighted to announce the successful demonstration of the key components of our 5G capacity delivery system at the Weston Park International Airshow on June 14th and 16th.

The system ‘shake-down’ supported by the British Drone Racing Association demonstrated that a mobile system could be driven onsite at a high-density event and be ready to broadcast within just a couple of hours.

This marks a significant milestone in the project’s journey as we look towards further technical and consumer trials later this summer where we will finesse the 4G and 5G elements and deploy the Customer Experience Testing equipment.

The end-to-end technical shakedown included key elements from consortium partners (Ateme, DTG, Imaginary Pictures, VMO2 and University of Surrey) and our suppliers.

The production vehicle by consortium partner Imaginary Pictures was equipped with production and master control for camera inputs, and compression of video and audio signals provided by Ateme, outputting a multicast broadcast service.

The transmission vehicle, provided by ATS Group, included power via a 4.5KVA generator and battery backup system, internet connectivity through Starlink, and a mast with a 4G and 5G base station mobile network solution.

The mobile application by Virgin Media O2 enabled event attendees to receive the broadcast, while Wavemobile provided the crucial 4G and 5G radio solution.

The project, led by the DTG to ensure seamless execution, is designed to keep fans at the heart of the action as it happens. Follow us here to get all the updates on this cutting-edge solution for enhancing experiences by keeping crowds connected.

Consortium of Broadcast and Telecoms Partners secure £1.47m DSIT Funding

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."