strumford, connecticut—XGen Network (XGN), a technology startup focused on emerging 5G broadcast protocols, has applied to the FCC for two new experimental 5G broadcast licenses. The company works with his two low-power plants in Connecticut: WTXX-LD, Channel 29, owned by HC2 in Hartford, and EGOT Media’s WYJH-LD, Channel 27 in Danbury.—We will participate in Milachi Media’s WWOO-LD in Boston and participate in XGN’s “2nd stage demonstration experiment of 5G broadcasting” scheduled to start by March 2024.
The move follows XGN’s launch of experimental 5G broadcasts on WWOO, an LPTV in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, targeting the Boston DMA last September. At the time, the company worked with the LPTV Broadcasting Corporation to demonstrate a Phase 1 proof of concept by demonstrating 5G broadcasts received via smartphones and set-top boxes in Boston. According to XGN, the station has been operating on his 5G broadcast protocol almost continuously since then and has not experienced any technical issues or complaints. LPTVBA further demonstrated his 5G broadcast to various stations and commissioners of the FCC in early November.
XGN is working with the LPTV Broadcasters Association to develop a platform for UHF LPTV stations (15 kw ERP) through proof-of-concept deployments as 5G broadcast technology evolves. XGN expects that first responders will have access to 5G broadcasts by the end of 2024, and that it will be available to the public in 2025.
“SuperFrank” Copsidas, CEO of XGN Network, said, “XGN appreciates the commitment of both Milachi Media, HC2, and EGOT Media to the future of 5G broadcast for LPTV.” “Direct-to-mobile 5G broadcasting is “very much in development and progressing by the week.” The consumer smartphone is awaiting the firmware update required to receive “Band 108” or “Band 108” directly. UHF broadcast spectrum in receive-only mode, for the return path he will utilize 5G cells. ”
XGN’s primary focus in Phase 2 is emergency alerting, first responder solutions, and technical field testing to deploy the solutions. On Dec. 18, XGN applied to the FCC to partner with PSHSB to “test expanded wireless emergency alert coverage in the event of a cell site outage.” XGN says this case has been proven in Phase 1 and that it is working on “additional significant solutions” for emergency alerts, including encrypted emergency alerts to first responders’ mobile phones, and is working on “additional significant solutions” for emergency alerts wherever possible. He said he was aware of the situation.
XGN says 5G broadcast can be a “reliable alternative solution” for first responders who lose cell phone service. Because different first responder agencies use different methods and protocols for dispatching, ranging from DOS and POTS to advanced solutions, these solutions will be tested at all proposed experimental sites, the company said. said.
As a second step, WWOO, which is seeking an extension of its original permit, will deploy a DTS (Digital Triage System) in Foxboro, Massachusetts, to test video and data files distributed from 911 command centers to first responders. We are proposing to implement the following. We worked with 911 centers in southeastern Massachusetts to put multiple test cell phones on the ground.
Testing on WWOO covers:
- iPaws Emergency Alert
- First responder emergency alert
- Stable and reliable delivery of video and data files to first responders in the field
- Deployment of multiple test mobile phones
- Mobile phone reception/handoff between main transmitter and DTS
- Testing your DTS deployment
The two stations in Connecticut have overlapping contours but different channels. From a technical level, XGN said its mission is to field test the handoff of a mobile phone from one channel to another from another transmitter, and this can only be done from a vehicle between the transmitter contours. He added that it will also be tested from vehicles instead of fixed receivers that will pick up a stronger signal and lock onto it.
Additionally, XGN plans to provide redundancy in case one of the signals is not broadcast. It primarily targets emergency alert and first responder platform solutions.
- iPaws Emergency Alert
- First responder emergency alert
- Deployment of multiple test mobile phones
- Cell phone reception/handoff between two facilities broadcasting on different channels
- Fixed receiver receiving function that tunes to the strongest signal with the ability to switch if the main signal is not received
- 5G core testing and inter-facility collaboration
“Consumer-ready 5G broadcast mobile phone releases are expected to be available in early 2025, which will allow for 5G broadcasting at general availability in 2024, after ironing out various deployment and software issues. It gives us the opportunity to reach a stable state,” XGN said. “We expect to have a fully capable mobile phone for first responders in late 2024.”