US Experimental 5G Broadcasting

Proposed Proof of Concept Phase Two (POC2)

On September 13, 2023, the LPTV Broadcasters Association launched the first 24/7 5G Broadcast station in the world with an experimental license on WWOO-LD in Boston. This Proof of Concept covered over 50,000 pop count. The station was received via smart phones and SDR’s in Boston. The station continued operating in 5G Broadcast protocol continuously for five months, with no complaints or major technical issues with regular software updates. The LPTVBA further demonstrated 5G Broadcasting to various Bureaus and Commissioners at the FCC on November 2nd, 2023. We are now prepared to roll out Phase Two

2024 has been a year of technical growth for 5G Broadcast as clearly outlined in our proposed tests below. We were world leaders in last year’s experiments. We continue to be world leaders in POC2.

Our focus in Phase Two is focusing on Emergency Alerts, First Responder solutions, and technical field testing to deploy the solutions. On December 18th, 2023, Xen Network submitted to be a partner with PSHSB “to test expansion of coverage for wireless emergency alerts when cell sites are down.” We have already proven this can be done in 5G Broadcasting in Proof of Concept One. We are working on additional, critical solutions for emergency alerting including encrypted emergency alerts to First Responder mobile phones, so they know where to respond.

First Responders’ control centers rely on smartphones to communicate with first responders in the field. If cell service is down, 5G Broadcasting can be a reliable alternative solution. These solutions will be tested at all the proposed experimental sites as different First Responder agencies use different methods and protocols for dispatch, from DOS and POTS to sophisticated solutions. We aim to develop a solution for all, especially in the case of a major incident.

For Phase Two, the following applicants for experimental 5G Broadcast licenses plan to conduct the following tests:

WWOO, Boston (extension of permit) Milachi Media Licensee, Channel 28

In conjunction with the Southeastern Massachusetts 911 Center, WWOO is proposing to deploy a DTS in Foxborough, MA, to conduct tests of video and data files being delivered from a 911 Dispatch Center to First Responders on the ground using multiple mobile phones, receiver devices, and sign changes. This content is critical, particularly in the case of a major incident when cell service potentially could go down. The tests at WWOO are:

1. iPaws Emergency Alerts

2. First Responder Emergency Alerts

3. Stable and reliable delivery of video and data files to First Responders in the field 

4. Deployment of multiple smartphones

5. Data delivery to signs

6. DTS deployment

7. Return path via Wifi to confirm delivery of data

8. ISDB-I

WEPT-CD, Peekskill, NY Venture Technologies Licensee, Channel 28 and WXGN-LD, Danbury, CT. EGOT Media Licensee, Channel 27

 WXGN and WEPT have overlapping contours but are on different channels. From a technical level, the mission is to field test the handoff on a mobile phone from one channel to a different one from a separate transmitter. This will be tested from a vehicle between the transmitters’ contours as well as from a stationary receiver picking up the stronger signal and locking onto it. Additionally, we intend to provide redundancy should one of the signals not broadcast. Again, this is primarily for Emergency Alert and First Responder platform solutions. 

1. iPaws Emergency Alerts**

2. First Responder Emergency Alerts

3. Deployment of multiple test mobile phones and receivers

4. Mobile phone reception/handoff between two facilities broadcasting on different channels

5. Fixed receiver (CPE) reception ability to tune into strongest signal with ability to switch if the main signal is not received

6. Test of 5G Core and coordination between facilities

7. Return path via Wifi to confirm delivery of data

8. ISDB-I

The overall goal is to deploy these experimental stations in Q1 2025. POC2 is an ambitious undertaking. We feel we can stay focused on three stations plus a DTS and can perform adjustments and corrections as needed with field deployments in close proximity.

With the release of 5G Broadcast optimized mobile phones being available in early 2025, this gives us the opportunity in 2025 to iron out the kinks in the various deployments and software so that 5G Broadcasting is stable when it is available to the public.