We speak with Milind Kulkarni, VP and Head of Wireless Labs at InterDigital—a research and development company specialized in wireless, video, and AI innovation—to outline the guiding principles that will drive this transition

*This content is included in the October issue of TM BROADCAST. You can access the full magazine here.

New workflows and innovative formats are reshaping the broadcast industry. Among the technologies driving this shift, 5G has emerged as one of the most transformative, particularly in live production. Looking ahead, the arrival of 6G—still in the development and standardization stage—promises to unlock an even wider range of technical and creative opportunities. This article outlines the guiding principles that will underpin this transition.

First, it is worth revisiting the advantages that 5G brings over 4G, which can be summarized in three areas: higher speed, greater efficiency, and lower latency. “Compared to previous generations, 5G provides faster data rates, lower latency, and more efficient transport of video content. This has opened the door to new applications in XR, streaming, and gaming,” explains Milind Kulkarni, VP and Head of Wireless Labs at InterDigital, a research and development company specialized in wireless, video, and AI innovation. The company works closely with organizations such as 3GPP and MPEG to shape the technologies that underpin the mobile ecosystem.

While its professional broadcast applications are critical, it should not be overlooked that 5G also delivers direct advantages to end users. High-quality streaming on mobile devices—such as watching a football match—has already become a standard expectation. Another clear example is online gaming, where the ability to interact in real time with players across the globe depends entirely on low latency.

Kulkarni highlights the crucial role of 5G in powering the latest generation of XR glasses, such as Meta’s collaboration with Ray-Ban. “Every time you look at an object behind you through these glasses, the image has to be captured, sent to the cloud for analysis, and then returned to your glasses in real time. That process is only possible with the speed and latency improvements enabled by 5G,” he emphasizes.

Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), artificial intelligence in the network and ubiquitous connectivity will define the next generation of mobile technology

Implications for broadcast

The real relevance for broadcast lies in live production and contribution workflows. The reduced latency and higher bandwidth of 5G allow broadcasters to experiment with cameras connected directly to mobile networks, eliminating in some scenarios the need for OB vans, or complementing traditional satellite and fiber contribution.

Remote production is a natural beneficiary. By connecting cameras and audio feeds over 5G, broadcasters can cover events with far fewer resources on site, centralizing operations in production hubs. The model promises significant cost savings and simultaneously reduces environmental impact—factors that are increasingly critical in the coverage of sports and entertainment.

The road to 6G

So what are the timelines for 6G, and what can we expect from the next generation of mobile technology?

First, it should be noted that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has set the vision for 6G, and standards bodies worldwide are actively defining use cases and requirements.

“In March this year, 3GPP held a workshop to decide which areas to continue developing under 5G and which to take forward under 6G,” Kulkarni explains. InterDigital, which contributes to international standards and licenses its technologies to major players such as Nokia, Ericsson, Qualcomm, and Apple, has been actively involved in this process.

“They are now studying these areas in detail, with the aim of completing study items in Release 20. The actual specifications will be developed in Release 21, expected around 2029. Deployment of products based on those specifications will likely happen around 2030 or 2031.”

This timeline means broadcasters still have several years to prepare, but the vision of 6G is already clear. According to InterDigital, three new areas will define the next generation:

• Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC): Until now, mobile networks have only communicated, while radar systems performed sensing. 6G aims to merge the two, turning antennas into sensors that can map the environment and enable new services.
• Artificial Intelligence in the Network: AI is already being applied in 5G, but in 6G it will be deeply embedded at multiple levels, from signal processing to energy efficiency and spectrum management.
• Ubiquitous Connectivity: Building on early 5G efforts to link satellites and terrestrial networks, 6G will create a seamless global system in which users can connect anywhere, anytime.

Sports as the ultimate testbed

For broadcasters, sports remain the most demanding test environment. Latency, reliability, and quality are non-negotiable when delivering live coverage of global events. InterDigital sees this domain as a natural proving ground for its innovations.

“We presented at MWC Barcelona this year on how sports and entertainment can really benefit from 6G. Our video, wireless, and AI technologies come together to create immersive experiences—so realistic it feels like you’re inside the Olympic Stadium watching the Games in real time,” says Kulkarni.

This vision dovetails with broader industry efforts. Broadcasters and rights-holders are already experimenting with multi-angle streaming, augmented reality overlays, and immersive fan experiences. As 5G matures and 6G emerges, these trials will evolve into mainstream offerings.

For the broadcast sector, 5G is not just another upgrade in connectivity—it is a strategic enabler of new workflows and audience experiences. And with 6G on the horizon, the opportunities multiply: integrated sensing for smarter production, AI-optimized networks, and ubiquitous coverage that makes live broadcasting truly global.

6G ahead: “The actual specifications will be developed in Release 21, expected around 2029. Deployment of products based on those specifications will likely happen around 2030 or 2031”