high resolutions ,” says Guez . “ It enables efficient live event distribution through technologies like 5G Broadcast and accelerates cloud-based workflows for real-time content production and distribution . No matter the communication channel , the battle over data ownership remains constant — content providers , social media platforms , video platforms , and ad agencies , everyone is vying for control as 5G unlocks new monetisation opportunities in mobile-driven markets .”
“ 5G will definitely play an important role and the DTG ’ s DSIT 5G VISTA and ONE4HDD Projects are testament to this ,” declares Lindsay-Davies . “ 5G will also continue to enhance TV distribution with low-latency , high-bandwidth connectivity , improving OTT streaming , live broadcasts , and access in underserved areas .” DVB-I . “ Energy-consuming one-to-one delivery can be substituted by broadcast , be it satellite or terrestrial – including 5G Broadcast – on a case-by-case basis ,” advises DVB ’ s Dubs . “ DVB-I makes it possible to embrace this kind of network diversity , allowing content delivered through multiple networks , including 5G Broadcast and 5G Media Streaming , to be combined on the enduser side in unified interfaces .”
“ Once 5G achieves critical mass coverage , it will surely play an important role in video service delivery like any mobile technology ,” suggests Verbesselt . “ While it evidently adds another dimension to mobile-first scenarios by making on-demand streaming more scalable in high-density areas , there is an important additional success driver . 5G Broadcast Mode could greatly contribute to scalable delivery of live events alongside on-demand streaming , unlocking a range of hybrid consumption models that combine both streaming and broadcast over 5G .”
“ 5G has the potential to bridge the gap between traditional broadcast and IP delivery ,” adds Hinard . “ 5G Broadcast could enable efficient distribution of live content without overwhelming mobile networks . However , its widespread adoption depends on regulatory frameworks and the willingness of broadcasters and telecom providers to invest in infrastructure .” IP . As to whether a demand for the move to IP be accelerated will arise , Bolin says that on a global basis “ yes , but in some markets the speed is already pretty much ‘ at max ,’ and the speed might actually go down as the market becomes saturated .”
“ Yes ,” states Guez , “ because IP provides flexibility and the two-way connection to the audience that broadcast could not . However ,
IP will continue to coexist for a while with alternative , cost-effective distribution methods to accommodate a multitude of needs and budgets .”
Lindsay-Davies agrees , adding that this is why we are seeing such a clear commitment from Government to unlock what that looks like . “ I am working closely with the Minister and with sector stakeholders , including DTG members , to map the transition as part of the DCMS Forum . It will be audience-led but driven by industry collaboration . Together creating a powerful new all-IP future , with the current hybrid landscape critical to a smooth transition .” MIGRATION . “ While more and more effort is put into the migration towards IP distribution networks , video-related demand is also increasing significantly , seemingly without limit ,” notes Dubs . “ That is why I believe much water will have flowed under the bridge before terrestrial broadband networks will be self-sufficient to serve the huge demand worldwide , especially as these networks still struggle with scalability and reliability issues . Resilience is a further vulnerability for such networks , with the growing threat of cyberattacks or even electronic warfare giving rise to misgivings about putting all our eggs in one basket .”
“ Once 5G achieves critical mass coverage , it will play an important role in video service delivery .” - Ivan Verbesselt , Mediagenix
“ Absolutely ,” asserts Verbesselt . “ Every company that ever bet against the Internet has lived ( or … not ) to regret it . Video over IP
delivery in the wider sense has proven to be the ultimate unifying force in the consumption of video services . More specifically , OTT technology has created the unique level playing field that we now all enjoy and in which every smart player along the value chain can act as a D2C brand . At Mediagenix our mission is to ensure that all these players can profitably deliver the right content to the right audience . For example , local broadcasters now have a great opportunity to establish themselves as a digital brand that directly connects with their audience and leverages their specific local intelligence for smart curation . But it requires the right tools to compete with the big global players in terms of smart personalisation and curation .”
“ Ironically ,” he adds tongue-in-cheek , “ even telcos and cable MSOs increasingly leverage OTT technology on their own networks to unify and streamline the experience across a wide variety of consumer devices .
“ Yes , and the momentum is growing ,” offers Hinard . “ One of the biggest barriers – latency – has been significantly reduced . A recent study conducted by Witbe on Super Bowl 2025 and latency demonstrated that streaming can now be faster than traditional cable broadcasts . As latency concerns diminish and broadband infrastructure expands , the transition to all-IP distribution will continue to accelerate .” DRIVER . As to whether governments can use OTT TV as a driver for network development , Bolin suggests that in the case of subsidising fibre roll out , this is likely in markets where access to media is considered a public service and important for society . “ The changing user behaviour means availability of Internet and capacity to deliver ( including CDNs ) becomes an infrastructure that could , and possibly should , be partly financed by governments ,” he adds . “ OTT TV is a key driver of broadband innovation and expansion ,” states Lindsay- Davies . “ The DTG continues to work on a wide range of research and technology projects that will ensure that no viewer is left behind . The DTG Distribution and FAST Groups are helping to align national digital strategies to improve connectivity , inclusivity and growth - top of our government ’ s agenda ,” he notes .
“ OTT TV can serve as both an incentive and a challenge for network development ,” suggests Hinard . “ Governments promoting digital transformation could leverage OTT growth to justify investments in broadband expansion . However , this also raises regulatory questions – should Internet infrastructure be treated as a public utility to ensure equitable access ?” OTA . As to how long will Over the Air ( OTA ) will remain a factor in the developing world , Bolin suggests most likely another 10-15 years as long tail dies slowly , but fewer viewers using it will make it harder to motivate allocating valuable spectrum and maintaining infrastructure . “ So in some countries it might be more like five years ,” he admits .
“ OTA broadcasting continues to play a significant role , even in highly developed markets like the United States , where around 15 per cent of households rely on antennas for free access to television ,” notes Guez . “ Its ’ renewed appeal among young viewers seeking cost-effective alternatives and local linguistic or ethnic communities looking for specific content suggests that it will likely remain relevant across the developing world as well . While the TV distribution landscape grows increasingly fragmented as old and new technologies coexist , the continued presence of OTA reflects a period of complex adaptation
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