ESA’s 5G-EMERGE project, as part of its Space for 5G/6G and Sustainable Connectivity programme, is expanding its scope to meet the growing needs of media distribution as it moves into its second phase. The 5G-EMERGE project aims to integrate satellite technology into 5G networks to revolutionise content distribution for broadcasters and service providers, widening their reach to areas and people with limited or no terrestrial network accessibility.
For broadcasters, content delivery networks, mobile network operators, and policymakers, 5G-EMERGE represents a significant advancement in media distribution. By seamlessly combining satellite/Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and terrestrial networks, the project supports a future-proof strategy that meets the growing demand for content accessibility and network resilience.
As media consumption shifts towards over-the-top (OTT) models (a media distribution model where distributors stream content directly to viewers over the internet), the need for a more robust and flexible delivery infrastructure has never been greater. With its focus on convergence and scalability, 5G-EMERGE not only improves service delivery but also lowers the commercial viability threshold for various use cases. This makes it a vital initiative for the digital transformation of Europe’s media landscape.
Expanding the scope from the first phase, the second aims to develop critical technologies, such as Direct to Device (D2D) using 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) New Radio – Non-Terrestrial Network (NR-NTN) satellite technology. This future-facing phase will build on baseline satellite enhanced edge delivery functionalities expanding in network orchestration, security, quality of service, cache optimalisation, amongst other optimalisations for transport, home and 5G use case classes. It is expected that this phase will anticipate the development of new technologies, driving market demand and development of services by improving the efficiency of their delivery.
To address the challenge, the 5G-EMERGE project is creating a cutting-edge IP-based distribution ecosystem that combines satellite capabilities with terrestrial 5G networks. By leveraging satellite-enhanced edge solutions, 5G-EMERGE allows broadcasters and content delivery networks to deliver content more efficiently and at scale, reaching audiences regardless of location or network limitations.
The integration of 3GPP D2D, edge computing/ Multicast Broadcast Services (MBS), and Digital Video Broadcasting - Native IP broadcasting (DVB-NIP) technologies ensures unparalleled access and flexibility, extending service coverage to areas with limited or no terrestrial network availability.
These technologies expand existing terrestrial networks and significantly reduce their workload. Users can access content with standard 5G or internet devices, requiring no special equipment.
5G-EMERGE functions as a multi-Content Delivery Network (CDN) setup for content providers. It coordinates services across the entire network structure, from core networks to distributed CDN edges. These edges include terrestrial network connections, micro-data centres, and last-mile edge nodes such as 5G base stations located close to end users.
Co-funded through ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate’s Partnership Projects programme under Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES), the second phase consortium increases to 34 companies from eight ESA Member States (Switzerland, Luxembourg, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, United Kingdom and Finland). This sees an increase from the 25 companies from seven ESA Member States (Switzerland, Luxembourg, Italy, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom) that participated in the first phase.
Phase 1 is focused on Direct-to-Home (DTH), Direct-to-Vehicle (DTV), and Direct-to-Edge (DTE) use cases. This phase included successful demonstrations across Europe, showcasing the project's potential to transform media delivery.
Phase 2 introduces D2D which aims to design and validate software prototypes for 3GPP NR-NTN enabled video services, aligning with 5G Multicast Broadband System (5GMBS) architecture. As LEO satellite constellations evolve, 5G-EMERGE is exploring how these systems can be integrated into its ecosystem, paving the way for D2D connectivity.
"With Phase 2 of 5G EMERGE, we're pushing the boundaries of what's possible in content delivery by enabling direct satellite-to-device connectivity," said Laurent Jaffart, ESA's Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. "This technology will pave the way for more inclusive access to critical services and entertainment, especially in regions with limited terrestrial connectivity."
"The 5G-EMERGE project is a transformative initiative that integrates satellite and terrestrial networks to deliver unparalleled access and scalability for media services,” said Antonio Franchi, Head of the 5G/6G NTN Programme Office, “Through the convergence of both networks, the barrier to entry will be lower for commercial viability for broadband networks, paving the way for a future where content delivery is seamless, efficient, and accessible anywhere for a superior experience for end-users and more competitive broadcasting landscape across Europe."
"Several stakeholders participate to 5G-EMERGE ecosystem developments representing all roles along the service delivery chain. New technologies such as IP-based content preparation, AI based content prioritisation, multi-content-delivery-network operations, AI based edge security, automated testing and advanced playout technologies are validated over-the-air using extended experimentation facilities. The development of MBS capabilities within 5G EMERGE aim to smoothly introduce 3GPP NR-NTN technologies with vast experimentation and validation opportunities,” said Maria Guta, Senior 5G/6G Satcom Solutions Architect and Technical Manager of 5G-EMERGE.
The 5G-EMERGE project and ESA’s Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme. Part of ESA's Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES), the programme demonstrates the critical nature of satellites for 5G and 6G, working with industry to develop interoperability to enhance communication capabilities across ESA Member States and the globe.
