Indonesia’s public broadcaster Televisi Republik Indonesia (TVRI) has begun testing 5G Broadcast technology in Jakarta as part of efforts to modernise the country’s broadcasting ecosystem. Broadband TV News

The trial is being conducted in collaboration with Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (KOMDIGI) and technology company Rohde & Schwarz, exploring new ways of delivering public-service content directly to mobile devices.

Through 5G Broadcast, TVRI programmes can be received on compatible devices without a SIM card, internet connection or mobile data, allowing broadcast content to reach mobile audiences independently of conventional telecommunications networks.

The technology uses a one-to-many broadcasting model, enabling the same content to be delivered simultaneously to potentially millions of devices. This could be particularly valuable for distributing emergency information during natural disasters or when mobile networks become congested.

KOMDIGI stressed that 5G Broadcast is not intended to replace Indonesia’s existing DVB-T2 digital terrestrial television system. Instead, it is being explored as a complementary platform that could extend public-service broadcasting to portable and mobile screens.

Similar 5G Broadcast technology has also been tested internationally, including in the United States, Germany, Spain and France, as broadcasters explore new approaches to delivering television and public information to mobile audiences.