SK Telecom is embarking on next-generation broadcasting innovation by successfully transmitting terrestrial broadcasts using MEC and virtualization technologies in partnership with a North American terrestrial broadcasting group.

SK Telecom announced on the 28th (local time) that it had successfully transmitted terrestrial broadcasts using MEC and virtualization technology in collaboration with Sinclair of the U.S. and Cast.era, a media tech company under SK Square.

This demonstration was conducted in the Arlington area near Washington, D.C., utilizing ATSC 3.0 standard radio waves equipped with SKT's 'Media Edge' platform to communicate with a moving vehicle via WIAV-CD, a local Sinclair broadcast station. David Smith, Chairman of Sinclair, Yoo Young-sang, CEO of SK Telecom, and officials from Cast.Era attended the event.

SKT has succeeded in transmitting a converged broadcasting service that combines ATSC 3.0 broadcasting and 5G communication, which allows for the rapid reception of region-specific data information through the communication network along with high-definition TV broadcasting while driving and the arrival of a set zone.

By applying the 'MEC (Media Edge)' platform, each regional broadcaster can manage broadcasting services for hundreds of regional stations across North America using general-purpose equipment and virtualization software systems without large-scale investments such as installing dedicated equipment.

In addition, based on two-way communication through 5G networks, it is possible to watch high-definition TV in real time, receive real-time notifications of disasters and emergencies, and use region-specific advertising services, so it is expected to be applicable to In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) services.

SKT developed the 'Media Edge' platform, which is used to provide media services as one of the industry-specific specialized services of 5G MEC, 'Edge Cloud,' and improved operational efficiency by virtualizing broadcast station transmission systems.

Meanwhile, Cast.era built an ATSC 3.0 broadcast transmission system based on SKT's 'Media Edge' platform, and in May, together with KBS, succeeded in the world's first ATSC 3.0 terrestrial broadcast transmission using edge cloud virtualization technology.

SKT announced that it is advancing high-quality broadcast video conversion technology using MEC technology and the AI semiconductor SAPEON with Sinclair and Cast.era, and plans to continue strengthening cooperation to further advance next-generation converged broadcasting services.
<bLee Dong-ki, Head of Cloud MEC Tech at SK Telecom, said, "With the successful demonstration of in-vehicle ATSC 3.0 mobile broadcasting, we expect SKT's advanced media technology to play a leading role in accelerating the digital transformation of broadcasting systems worldwide."

"We expect that the launch of the mobile broadcasting virtualization transmission platform, which combines SKT's cutting-edge technology with Sinclair, a leading North American broadcaster spearheading next-generation broadcasting service innovation, for the first time in the U.S. will mark the beginning of next-generation broadcasting innovation," said Park Kyung-mo, CTO of Cast.era.