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Multi-channel public warning is a cornerstone of national security

5G Broadcast complements existing warning channels


Multi-channel public warning plays a key role in emergencies. 5G Broadcast is an important addition alongside radio, television, applications and Cell Broadcast. It provides a new, independent distribution route: using multiple channels strengthens the reach of public warnings and helps ensure that critical messages reach people across Finland even during disruptions and crises.

What is 5G Broadcast?

In a conventional mobile network, content is transmitted separately to each user. 5G Broadcast follows a one-to-many model: the same content is transmitted simultaneously from a radio and TV tower via a high-power transmitter directly to mobile phones. An increase in the number of users does not add to network load. The technology is well suited to situations where a large number of people need to be reached quickly. It is based on international 3GPP standards and combines 5G capabilities with broadcast infrastructure designed to cover large geographical areas.

5G Broadcast complements other channels – a multi-channel approach ensures reach

A key strength of 5G Broadcast in public warning is its independence from the capacity and operational status of mobile networks. An emergency message can be transmitted rapidly to a large audience even when mobile networks are congested or unavailable. Distribution based on high-power transmitters and tall radio and TV towers enables extensive coverage with a relatively small number of transmission sites.

In addition to text alerts, the technology can transmit audio, images and video. Visual content can help authorities provide clear instructions and share up-to-date situational information. 5G Broadcast does not replace radio, television, sirens, applications or Cell Broadcast; instead, it complements them with its own strengths. When a public warning is distributed through several independent channels, people across Finland can be reached more comprehensively in different situations and on different devices. This also reduces the risk of a critical message not being received because one channel is congested, has failed or is otherwise disrupted.

Estonia’s Pocket Siren demonstrates the technology’s potential in practice

Several 5G Broadcast trials are under way in Europe. In Estonia, for example, 5G Broadcast is being developed and tested in the Pocket Siren project. Levira and Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), together with their partners, are exploring how the technology could be used to deliver regional emergency alerts and public warnings. The two-year project uses transmission equipment installed on tall TV and radio towers to provide extensive coverage.

According to Levira, Pocket Siren can deliver a warning to a modern smartphone even when the mobile operator’s network is unavailable or the device is in silent mode. The notification can combine sound, light and vibration alerts, turning the phone into a personal “pocket siren” for the user. The technology has also been trialled in Estonia for delivering breaking news and video without a mobile network connection.

The technology has also been trialled in Estonia for delivering breaking news and video without a mobile network connection. Further information: https://levira.com/solutions/connectivity/5g-broadcast, https://taskusireen.ee/en/about-us-english/

Finland has a strong foundation in place

Finland has a strong foundation for the deployment of 5G Broadcast: Digita’s tall towers, extensive broadcasting network and infrastructure secured by backup power are part of the country’s critical communications environment. The same strengths can also be used for distribution to mobile devices. It is important to assess how the technology performs in Finnish conditions through practical pilots carried out in cooperation with public authorities, device manufacturers, telecom operators and other industry stakeholders.

Together, public warning channels create a resilient system

The potential of 5G Broadcast extends beyond public warning. The technology supports the efficient delivery of television, radio, live events and other media content to mobile devices, as well as combinations of broadcast and online services. Finland’s mobile networks are of such high quality that the most socially significant use case for 5G Broadcast is as part of a multi-channel public warning system: 5G Broadcast complements other channels and helps ensure that critical information reaches people across Finland even when another connection is congested or unavailable.

Digita monitors the international development of 5G Broadcast and promotes trials of the technology in Finland. The aim is to build a comprehensive public warning system in which radio, television, sirens, applications, Cell Broadcast and 5G Broadcast complement one another. Together, these channels strengthen society’s resilience and help reach people across Finland quickly, widely and reliably in all circumstances.