RTM Selects DNB, Ericsson for 5G Live Broadcast in Malaysia

Malaysia’s first ever 5G-powered live broadcast was conducted during National Day, in a collaboration between national broadcaster Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and 5G network provider Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), with Ericsson as technology partner.

The live broadcast of the 2024 National Day parade was a successful proof-of-concept to trial five critical broadcasting elements – video, audio, controller, intercom and monitoring. It demonstrated how live content data is streamed via DNB’s 5G standalone (5G SA) network to the RTM production studio, as well as how the recording process can be monitored and remotely controlled.

Live transmissions are typically done through cables and satellites, but with 5G's higher bandwidth and lower-latency mobile connectivity, camera operators gain greater mobility and flexibility to capture more dynamic angles. Meanwhile, producers in the studio can have increased control over camera movements during live events.

5G technology offers several key benefits for live broadcasting, including:

Enhanced mobility and flexibility – 5G enables untethered, wireless cameras that can move freely during live events, providing more dynamic camera angles and coverage.

Extended coverage –Wide 5G coverage allows broadcasters to access video from 5G-enabled mobile camera units across large areas. As demonstrated by RTM’s live broadcast, this 5G camera solution complemented footage from conventional cameras, enhancing the overall live broadcasting with a multi-camera capability.

Higher quality and lower latency – 5G technology supports the seamless transmission of high-resolution video (HD and 4K), delivering superior visual quality and a more immersive viewer experience. The enhanced bandwidth enables clearer and more detailed live feeds, setting a new benchmark for broadcast excellence.

Efficiency – Remote production using 5G allows broadcasters to produce live coverage from off-site, avoiding the need for large on-site crews and equipment. The flexibility of 5G allows for rapid deployment and adjustments, enhancing the ability to cover live events with greater efficiency. The technology’s low latency ensures minimal delay and real-time responsiveness, improving synchronization between field and studio.

The landmark National Day live transmission leveraged network slicing technology to create a virtual, customized 'slice' configured to the unique demands of the live broadcast. This slice was configured to deliver specific features such as high speed, ample capacity, enhanced security, and reliable performance.

To achieve this, Ericsson used its award-winning Dynamic Radio Resource Partitioning solution in a Multi-Operator 5G Core Network (MOCN), which dynamically allocates spectrum resources and supports service differentiation, leveraging its AI Intent-Based Operations.

To ensure cyber resiliency and confidentiality, DNB’s 5G network is secured end-to-end through enterprise grade data encryption, systems and application hardening, real-time cyber threat monitoring and management by DNB’s Security Operation Centre (SOC) and Ericsson Security Manager (ESM), a cybersecurity platform that provides real time security, visibility and compliance management.

Ken Tan, Chief Technology Officer, DNB, says: “This proof-of-concept shows that 5G network slicing can deliver secured and seamless broadcast management and ensure uninterrupted feed from the site to the newsroom using existing infrastructure. It also serves as a case for enterprises from the broadcast industry and beyond, to embrace 5G connectivity, enhance their efficiency and productivity, and ultimately transform their businesses.”

David Hägerbro, Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, says: “Malaysia’s successful 5G rollout offers widespread availability, affordability, and a world-class network experience with advanced features for consumers and businesses, as well as the crucial broadcast services provided by RTM. The pilot transmission has demonstrated how 5G has transformed RTM’s broadcasting capabilities. With 5G Standalone technology, RTM can now deliver live broadcasts with greater agility, flexibility and real-time streaming.