The EBU has demonstrated a solution combining edge computing with hybrid satellite and 5G networks for efficient, scalable, and secure media streaming at the Mobile World Congress tradeshow in Barcelona (3-6 March 2025).
The demonstration was created by the 5G-EMERGE project, which aims to develop an integrated satellite and terrestrial system based on open standards to support high-quality content distribution.
Hybrid satellite and terrestrial 5G network ecosystem
EBU presented an end-to-end solution that integrates satellite-native IP streaming with the latest 5G edge cloud technologies. By delivering popular content via satellite, the solution reduces the demand on costly unicast capacity in backhaul networks and content delivery networks (CDNs).
Content can be distributed to subscribers using different methods depending on the base station configuration: 5G NR Unicast, 5G Multicast, or 5G Broadcast. The demonstration incorporates a deployment of the 5G Media Streaming Architecture (3GPP TS 26.501) and some of its features into the 5G-EMERGE architecture, leveraging open-source software components from the 5G-MAG Reference Tools development program.
This 5G edge-based streaming platform exemplifies the EBU’s "Multilayer, Anywhere, Resilient, and Sustainable" (M.A.R.S.) distribution strategy.
About 5G-EMERGE
5G-EMERGE is an industry-led partnership coordinated by the EBU and supported by ESA ARTES. The project is structured into two phases, each lasting two years. Phase 1, which included 25 consortium partners, ran from late 2022 to late 2024. Phase 2, involving 33 partners, is set to conclude in late 2026.
During Phase 1, the project developed prototypes and testbeds to demonstrate solutions for various media use cases, including direct-to-home (for both individual and collective use), direct-to-vehicle, and direct-to-edge applications.
Phase 2 will introduce a new segment for direct-to-device multicast and broadcast media services, building on the insights from Phase 1. This phase will also focus on developing key technology components to enhance market adoption. In addition to optimizing existing solutions, the project will explore integration with emerging 5G NR-NTN networks.