Nokia tests new eMBMS technology

This experience, which is carried out in the 700 MHz UHF band, differs from other experiences undertaken to date since the same frequency is used in all base stations covering an area of ​​200 square kilometers.

Nokia is carrying out a series of tests this week in Munich (Germany) to test the new evolved Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (eMBMS) technology over an LTE network to retransmit television channels nationwide.

This experience, which is carried out in the 700 MHz UHF band, differs from other experiences undertaken to date since the same frequency is used in all base stations, which allows television content to be retransmitted, maximizing the number of channels that can be offered in a wide geographical area.

According to Nokia, eMBMS applications have focused on delivering content in specific spaces, such as football stadiums, and for a specific period of time.

While some consider that eMBMS technology could only be used in specific places and not in a mass broadcast, manufacturers such as Nokia are committed to convincing operators that they can become broadcasters with global coverage. Precisely, in the test that is being carried out these days, Nokia is distributing multimedia content on eMBMS in an area of ​​200 square kilometers.

Thanks to this technology, operators could offer their users television services through mobile phones without this affecting their monthly data consumption or depending on the load of the LTE network at a given time.

La tecnología eMBMS sobre redes LTE únicamente está en puertas de un lanzamiento comercial en Corea. En otros países como Estados Unidos, se prevé para el próximo año. Precisamente, Estados Unidos albergó hace unos años el primer intento de difusión masiva de contenidos sobre redes celulares con el despliegue de la denominada red FLO por parte de Qualcomm en la banda de 700 MHz. La experiencia fue un fracaso y finalmente los operadores AT&T y Verizon Wireless que la utilizaron cancelaron su oferta y Qualcomm vendió el espectro y desmanteló la red.