The BBC has extended its 5G radio broadcast trial in Stronsay, Orkney, until the end of September 2019 after it proved “extremely popular” with participants.
The trial began in February this year with residents in Stronsay becoming some of the first people in the world to receive live radio broadcasts over 5G mobile networks.
Independent research has found that 90% of trialists were satisfied with the mobile internet service, 100% were satisfied with the range of stations provided by the radio signal, and more than 50% were satisfied with the quality of reception.
Participants also praised the flexibility and portability of the trial service, its ease of use, how it has helped them keep up to date and feel more connected, and were pleased to have their rural community chosen for the trial.
The BBC says extending the trial allows participants to continue enjoying the benefits of mobile internet and live BBC radio broadcasts for longer while also enabling the broadcaster and its partners “to further optimise the technical parameters of the radio signal and to collect more technical data to help understand live 5G broadcasting in greater detail.”
Kieran Clifton, Director of Distribution and Business Development, BBC, said: “We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response from those taking part in our 5G broadcast trial, and how much they value being part of it, so we’re delighted to be able to extend it until later this year.
“It’s also been a success from an engineering perspective, with high levels of quality and consistency in the experimental service.
“The extension gives our experts a chance to continue to improve on their work so far, and get even more insight into live 5G mobile broadcasting, how it could be deployed, and how it could help audiences in rural areas.”