Vertical: Broadcasting
Application: Improved coverage and capacity, ability to livestream wirelessly
Ecosystem: Deutsche Telekom
Private Network: 5G
RTL Deutschland, in partnership with Deutsche Telekom, has launched a private 5G campus network at its broadcasting center in Cologne, Germany. The network, which utilizes Deutsche Telekom’s “Campus-Netz Private” solution, makes RTL Deutschland the first company in the country to supply its production studios with a customized in-house 5G infrastructure.
The private 5G network offers several benefits for TV production, including increased flexibility through the use of wireless cameras both inside and outside the studios. The 5G architecture supports data-intensive applications with low response times, enabling faster data processing speeds. Additionally, the network will facilitate the use of wireless microphones, intercom systems, and dedicated internet access. RTL Deutschland also plans to trial other production-relevant systems via the 5G network.
Matthias Dang, Chief Commercial, Technology & Data Officer at RTL Deutschland, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “In partnership with Deutsche Telekom, we are now operating an independent 5G mobile network at our broadcasting center in Cologne, to bring our high-reach content to our viewers and users even more conveniently and efficiently.”
The private 5G network is set to play a crucial role in RTL Deutschland’s coverage of the upcoming UEFA EURO 2024 tournament, beginning in mid-June. The network will be extended to a site adjacent to the company’s Cologne broadcasting center, where matches will be streamed live for public viewing.
The campus network covers a total area of 35,000 square meters, including two of RTL Deutschland’s studios and public spaces surrounding the company’s offices, ensuring uninterrupted coverage both indoors and outdoors. The network operates independently from the public mobile network, with all data traffic remaining within the private network.
High upload bandwidths of around 500 megabits per second will be used for live productions, with a delay rate not exceeding 25 milliseconds. The network operates on frequencies reserved specifically for RTL Deutschland in the 3.7 to 3.8 GHz range, providing up to 100 megahertz of bandwidth exclusively for broadcasting.
RTL Deutschland has full control over the private network and can manage various functions on-demand, allowing for the prioritization of data traffic for specific applications. The closed system offers a high level of data security and reliability, ensuring continuous availability even in the event of an interruption to the cloud-based management portal.
Klaus Werner, Managing Director for Business Customers at Telekom Deutschland, praised the partnership, stating, “RTL is an innovative partner with whom we can jointly develop our products and solutions and bring them to the market. Thanks to its network architecture with 5G standalone technology, the 5G Private Campus Network fulfils the high requirements of live TV production, including important functions such as minimum response times and high bandwidths.”
