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Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service
Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service
Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service
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Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (MBMS) is a point-to-multipoint interface specification for existing 3GPP cellular networks, which is designed to provide efficient delivery of broadcast and multicast services, both within a cell as well as within the core network. For broadcast transmission across multiple cells, it defines transmission via single-frequency network configurations. The specification is referred to as Evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services (eMBMS) when transmissions are delivered through an LTE (Long Term Evolution) network. eMBMS is also known as LTE Broadcast.[1]

Target applications include mobile TV and radio broadcasting, live streaming video services, as well as file delivery and emergency alerts.

Questions remain whether the technology is an optimization tool for the operator or if an operator can generate new revenues with it. Several studies have been published on the domain identifying both cost savings and new revenues.[2]

Deployments

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In 2013,[3] Verizon announced that it would launch eMBMS services in 2014, over its nationwide (United States) LTE networks. AT&T subsequently announced plans to use the 700 MHz Lower D and E Block licenses it acquired in 2011 from Qualcomm for an LTE Broadcast service.[4]

Several major operators worldwide have been lining-up to deploy and test the technology. The frontrunners being Verizon in the United States,[5] Kt and Reliance[6] in Asia, and recently EE[7] and Vodafone in Europe.[8]

In January 2014, Korea’s Kt launched the first commercial LTE Broadcast service.[9] The solution includes Kt’s internally developed eMBMS Bearer Service, and Samsung mobile devices fitted with the ENENSYS Expway Middleware as the eMBMS User Service.

In February 2014, Verizon demonstrated the potential of LTE Broadcast during Super Bowl XLVIII, using Samsung Galaxy Note 3s, fitted with ENENSYS Expway's eMBMS User Service.[10]

In July 2014, Nokia demonstrated the use of LTE Broadcast to replace Traditional Digital TV.[11] This use case remains controversial as some study are doubting about the capability of LTE Broadcast to address this use case efficiently in its current version.[12]

Also in July 2014, BBC Research & Development and EE demonstrated LTE Broadcast during the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland using equipment from Huawei and Qualcomm.[13][14]

In August 2014, Ericsson and Polkomtel successfully tested LTE Broadcast technology by streaming the opening game of the 2014 World Volleyball Championship to hundreds of guests at Warsaw’s National Stadium in Poland on August 30.[15]

In June 2015, BBC Research & Development and EE demonstrated LTE Broadcast during the FA Cup final in the U.K. [16][17]

In September 2015, Verizon demonstrated eMBMS by broadcasting INDYCAR races.[18]

In October 2015, Verizon commercially launched their Go90 eMBMS service. Go90 offers both On-Demand and LiveTV, in both Unicast and Broadcast, and supports more than 10 different LTE Broadcast mobile devices. [19][20][21] Verizon ceased operating the go90 service on July 31, 2018.[22]

In February 2016, Akamai demonstrated with ENENSYS Expway, delivery of video streams across LTE networks with live on the fly switching from unicast to broadcast, at Mobile World Congress 2016.[23]

In April 2016, Verizon, Telstra, KT and EE launched the LTE Broadcast Alliance.[24]

As of January 2019, the Global Mobile Suppliers Association had identified 41 operators that have invested in eMBMS (including those considering/testing/trialling, deploying or piloting and those that have deployed or launched eMBMS). Five operators state they have now deployed eMBMS or launched some sort of commercial service using eMBMS.[1]

The range of chipsets available that can support eMBMS has been steadily growing, with three mobile processors/platforms released since March 2018. GSA has identified 69 chipsets supporting eMBMS, and there are at least 59 devices that support eMBMS (in some instances after operator-specific upgrades).[25]

Competing technologies

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Main competing technologies of MBMS include DVB-H/DVB-T, DVB-SH, DMB, ESM-DAB, and MediaFLO. However, due to spectrum scarcity and the cost of building new broadcast infrastructure some of these technologies may not be viable. MediaFLO has been deployed commercially in the US by Verizon Wireless through their relationship with MediaFLO USA, Inc. (a subsidiary of Qualcomm) however the service was shut down in early 2011.[26] DMB and DVB-H trials have been ongoing for more than a year now, like those during the football 2006 championships in Germany.

Huawei's proprietary CMB is a precursor to the Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service. It was specified in 3GPP R6 and is using existing UMTS infrastructure. Huawei says that CMB is based on existing UMTS infrastructure and real time streaming application protocol.

The most significant competition is from services that stream individual video feeds to users over unicast data connections. While less efficient in certain situations, particularly the traditional case where everyone watches the same stream simultaneously, the user convenience of individual streaming has taken over the vast majority of the mobile media streaming market.

Technical description

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The MBMS feature is split into the MBMS Bearer Service and the MBMS User Service and has been defined to be offered over both UTRAN (i.e. WCDMA, TD-CDMA and TD-SCDMA) and LTE (where it is often referred to as eMBMS). The MBMS Bearer Service includes a Unicast and a Broadcast Mode. MBMS Operation On-Demand (MOOD) allows dynamic switching between Unicast and Broadcast over LTE, based on configured triggers. The MBMS Bearer Service uses IP multicast addresses for the IP flows. The advantage of the MBMS Bearer Service compared to unicast bearer services (interactive, streaming, etc.) is that the transmission resources in the core and radio networks are shared.[27] One MBMS packet flow is replicated by GGSN, SGSN and RNCs. MBMS may use an advanced counting scheme to decide, whether or not zero, one or more dedicated (i.e. unicast) radio channels lead to a more efficient system usage than one common (i.e. broadcast) radio channel.

  • UTRAN MBMS offers up to 256 kbit/s per MBMS Bearer Service and between 800 kbit/s and 1.7 Mbit/s per cell/band. The actual cell capacity depends on the UE capabilities.
  • GERAN MBMS offers between 32 kbit/s and 128 kbit/s. Up to 4 GSM timeslots may be used for one MBMS bearer in the downlink direction. The actual data rate per Traffic Slot depends on network dimensioning.

The MBMS User Service is basically the MBMS Service Layer and offers two different data Delivery Methods:

  • The Streaming Delivery Method can be used for continuous transmissions like mobile television services. An application layer FEC code may be used to increase the transmission reliability.
  • The Download Delivery Method is intended for “download and play” services. A File Repair service may be offered to compensate for unreliable delivery.

MBMS has been standardized in various groups of 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project), and the first phase standards are found in UMTS release 6. As Release 6 was functionally frozen by the 3rd quarter of 2004, practical network implementations may be expected by the end of 2007, and the first functional mobile terminals supporting MBMS are estimated to be available by also end of 2007.

eMBMS has been standardized in various groups of 3GPP as part of LTE release 9. The LTE version of MBMS, referred to as Multicast-broadcast single-frequency network (MBSFN), supports broadcast only services and is based on a Single Frequency Network (SFN) based OFDM waveform and so is functional similar to other broadcast solutions such as DVB-H, -SH and -NGH. In Release 14, the 3GPP enhanced the specifications for eMBMS with a view to making the technology more attractive for deployment by operators and broadcasters. The 3GPP’s work on the next generation of technology in Release 16 includes a study on LTE-based broadcast on 5G networks,[28] MBMS APIs for mission-critical services and MBMS user services for IoT.[1]

3GPP technical specifications

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MBMS Bearer Service (Distribution Layer):

  • 3GPP TS 22.146 Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS); Stage 1
  • 3GPP TS 23.246 Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS); Architecture and functional description
  • 3GPP TS 25.346 Introduction of the Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) in the Radio Access Network (RAN); Stage 2
  • 3GPP TS 25.992 Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS); UTRAN/GERAN Requirements
  • 3GPP TS 36.300 Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN); Overall description; Stage 2 (see chapter 15 for eMBMS)
  • 3GPP TS 36.440 General aspects and principles for interfaces supporting Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) within E-UTRAN
  • 3GPP TS 43.246 Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) in the GERAN; Stage 2
  • 3GPP TR 25.803 S-CCPCH performance for Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS)

MBMS User Service (Service Layer):

  • 3GPP TS 22.246 Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) user services; Stage 1
  • 3GPP TS 26.346 Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS); Protocols and codecs
  • 3GPP TR 26.946 Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS) user service guidelines
  • 3GPP TS 33.246 3G Security; Security of Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service (MBMS)
  • 3GPP TS 32.273 Telecommunication management; Charging management; Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS) charging

See also

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References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service

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The Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) is a unidirectional point-to-multipoint service in which data is transmitted from a single source entity to a group of users in a service area via the core network in the downlink direction, supporting the efficient delivery of content such as text, audio, pictures, and video over mobile networks. It operates in two primary modes: broadcast mode, which delivers content to all users within a defined service area without requiring subscription or user-specific activation; and multicast mode, which restricts delivery to a predefined group of subscribed users who must join the service, enabling features like charging and . Introduced in 3GPP Release 6 for () networks, MBMS leverages existing infrastructure with minimal modifications to the packet-switched domain, incorporating entities like the Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC) for session management and content synchronization. In LTE (4G) networks, MBMS evolved into eMBMS starting from Release 9, introducing enhancements such as Multimedia Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) for synchronized transmission across multiple cells to improve coverage and capacity, and Single-Cell Point-to-Multipoint (SC-PTM) in Release 13 for localized delivery. Further advancements in Release 14 added FeMBMS (Further evolved MBMS) to support fixed broadband-like services, including TV with higher data rates in dedicated subframes. These features enable applications like live event streaming, software updates, and public safety alerts by offloading traffic and optimizing spectrum use for large audiences. With the advent of 5G in 3GPP Release 17, MBMS has been rearchitected as 5G Multicast Broadcast Services (MBS), integrating with the 5G Core (5GC) through new entities like the MB Session Management Function (MB-SMF), MB User Plane Function (MB-UPF), and MBS Session Handling Function (MBSF), with further enhancements in Release 18 for improved efficiency and new use cases. This evolution supports both shared (point-to-multipoint) and individual (point-to-point) delivery methods, leveraging technologies such as OFDM, , and flexible numerologies for improved efficiency in scenarios including (V2X) communications, venue-specific services, and emergency notifications. Key benefits across generations include reduced bandwidth consumption for identical content distribution, enhanced mobility support during sessions, and security mechanisms like via the Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) to protect access. Overall, MBMS and its successors represent a cornerstone of 3GPP's broadcast/ framework, specified in documents like TS 23.246 for architecture and TS 26.346 for protocols and codecs.

Introduction

Definition and Purpose

The Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) is a unidirectional point-to-multipoint interface specified by 3GPP for delivering multimedia content, such as video, audio, and data, from a single source to multiple recipients over cellular networks including UMTS, LTE, and 5G. It operates in two modes—broadcast, which transmits content to all users within a defined geographic area without requiring user-specific authorization, and multicast, which delivers content to subscribed users who have joined a specific group. This service leverages shared radio and core network resources to enable efficient point-to-multipoint transmission, distinguishing it from traditional unicast methods that replicate data streams for each individual user. The core purpose of MBMS is to optimize the delivery of identical content to large groups of users by transmitting a single across the network, thereby minimizing bandwidth consumption and avoiding the inefficiencies of multiple parallel sessions. It supports a range of applications, including mobile TV for video , live event streaming, software and updates via file downloads, and public warning systems for emergency alerts. By reducing data duplication on the air interface and in the packet-switched domain, MBMS addresses the challenges of high-demand scenarios where many users request the same content simultaneously. MBMS offers significant benefits, including enhanced network efficiency through optimized use of and backhaul resources, cost savings for operators by lowering transmission overheads, and improved in dense environments such as stadiums or public gatherings where concurrent demand could otherwise strain capacity. Its scope includes MBMS bearer services, which provide the underlying packet-switched domain mechanisms for unidirectional datagram delivery over common channels with adaptability to capabilities, and MBMS user services, which build atop these bearers to enable two primary delivery methods: streaming for real-time content and downloads for file-based transfers. MBMS has evolved into enhanced forms, such as eMBMS in LTE and Multicast-Broadcast Service (MBS) in , to further refine these capabilities.

History and Evolution

The Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) was first introduced by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project () in Release 6, finalized in September 2005, as a point-to-multipoint downlink bearer service within Universal Mobile Telecommunications System () networks to enable efficient delivery of multimedia content to multiple users simultaneously. This specification, detailed in 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 25.346, marked the initial standardization effort to support both broadcast and multicast modes in 3G radio access networks, with the release achieving functional freeze in June 2005. Early trials around 2006-2007 demonstrated MBMS capabilities for services like mobile TV in select European and Asian markets, though widespread deployment was limited by the nascent state of 3G infrastructure. MBMS evolved significantly with the advent of Long-Term Evolution (LTE) through the introduction of evolved MBMS (eMBMS) in Release 9, completed in 2010, which extended broadcast and functionalities to LTE networks using (SFN) transmission for improved . This enhancement, outlined in TS 36.300 and related documents, allowed operators to deliver content over LTE air interfaces without dedicating separate spectrum, addressing the growing demand for video services. Subsequent refinements in Release 11 (frozen in 2012) focused on MBMS service continuity across multi-carrier deployments and initial support for public safety applications, enabling seamless for sessions in heterogeneous networks. Release 14 (frozen in 2017) introduced further evolved MBMS (FeMBMS), optimizing for television services with advanced single-cell point-to-multipoint transmission and improved integration with IP-based delivery protocols. By Release 16 (frozen in 2020), early explorations into integration began, incorporating MBMS elements into New Radio (NR) for enhanced operation in (V2X) scenarios. The transition to marked a pivotal shift, with Multicast-Broadcast Service (MBS) formalized in Release 17 (frozen in 2022), rearchitecting MBMS for NR to support both and multicast-broadcast sessions in a unified framework, as specified in TS 23.247 and TS 38.300. This release emphasized resource efficiency for group communications, laying groundwork for applications in public warning systems and live events. Releases 18 (frozen in 2024) and 19 (frozen in 2025) built on this by enhancing MBS for sidelink multicast in V2X and integrating for dynamic resource allocation, aiming to overcome prior limitations in scalability. A key industry milestone was the formation of the LTE Broadcast Alliance in April 2016 by operators including Verizon, , KT, and , which promoted global ecosystem development for eMBMS but highlighted challenges in adoption due to the dominance of delivery in most commercial video streaming scenarios. Despite these advancements, MBMS uptake has remained niche, constrained by the flexibility of protocols in handling variable user demands.

Technical Fundamentals

Core Architecture Components

The core architecture of the Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) comprises key functional entities and reference points defined by to enable efficient multimedia content delivery across packet-switched domains in GPRS and EPS networks. The Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC) functions as the primary for third-party content providers, handling content ingestion, authorization of MBMS bearer services, and transmission scheduling. It initiates and manages MBMS sessions by allocating globally unique Temporary Mobile Group Identities (TMGI), mapping service requirements to bearer-level QoS parameters, and supporting charging and billing functions. In the 3G PS domain (GPRS/UTRAN/GERAN), the BM-SC connects to the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) via the Gi interface for user plane delivery using GTP-U tunnels to the Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) and then to the Radio Network Controller (RNC) or Base Station Controller (BSC). In EPS (E-UTRAN/LTE), the MBMS Gateway (MBMS-GW) serves as an intermediary between the BM-SC and the (RAN), distributing MBMS user plane data via to multiple RAN nodes such as eNodeBs. It performs address selection and replication at network branching points to optimize core network resource usage, while also handling session announcements and control signaling. The Multi-cell Coordination Entity (MCE), specific to E-UTRAN deployments, coordinates MBMS resource allocation across multiple cells for synchronized transmissions in Multicast-Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) areas. It manages radio bearer configuration, counting procedures for UE presence, and handover decisions for MBMS sessions. Critical reference points include the Gi interface, which connects the BM-SC to external content providers for bearer and control plane interactions in the PS domain, enabling procedures like session setup and content provisioning. In EPS, the SGi-mb interface links the BM-SC to the MBMS-GW for IP-based user plane delivery and control signaling via the SGmb reference point. The M1 interface in EPS facilitates efficient IP multicast distribution of MBMS data from the MBMS-GW to E-UTRAN or multi-cell RNC elements, while the Gmb and SGmb handle control plane exchanges between the BM-SC and GPRS/EPS core elements like the GGSN, SGSN, or MME. In 3G, MBMS data uses Iu-PS bearers from SGSN to RNC. MBMS bearer services leverage in the core network to minimize bandwidth consumption by avoiding per-user replication, with support extended to UTRAN and GERAN radio access technologies in systems. In UTRAN, these services enable data rates up to 1.7 Mbit/s per cell, providing scalable capacity for streaming and download. In GERAN, rates are constrained to 32–128 kbit/s, reflecting limitations in timeslot allocation and modulation capabilities.

Broadcast and Multicast Modes

The Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) operates in two primary modes: broadcast mode, supported across PS domain and EPS generations, and mode, supported only in the PS domain (GPRS/UTRAN/GERAN; not natively in EPS, where group delivery uses bearers or Single-Cell Point-to-Multipoint from Release 13). Each is designed to efficiently deliver content to multiple users over cellular . In broadcast mode, content is transmitted simultaneously to all (UEs) within a defined geographic service area, without requiring individual user addressing, subscription, or explicit network registration. This point-to-multipoint approach enables the network to push identical data streams to every capable receiver in the area, making it suitable for announcements or wide-area notifications where universal access is prioritized over targeted delivery. Broadcast transmission can employ either single-cell or multi-cell configurations to optimize coverage and resource use. In single-cell mode, delivery is confined to one cell, using dedicated radio resources for point-to-multipoint transmission within that boundary. Multi-cell transmission synchronizes identical waveforms across multiple cells using (SFN) techniques, treating them as a single virtual transmitter to enhance signal reliability and extend coverage without increasing interference. In E-UTRAN, this is realized as MBSFN. This synchronization leverages the SFN principle, where cells transmit on the same frequency and timing, improving reception in challenging environments. In contrast, multicast mode—in the 3G PS domain—delivers content exclusively to a subset of subscribed users who have explicitly joined the service, enabling more selective and resource-efficient distribution for group-oriented applications. Users must first subscribe to the service via the home network, establishing a record in the Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC), before activating reception by joining the multicast group through protocols such as Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) for IPv4 or Multicast Listener Discovery (MLD) for IPv6. This joining process, initiated over a default packet data protocol (PDP) context, signals the user's interest and triggers the creation of MBMS UE contexts across the core network elements, including the serving GPRS support node (SGSN) and gateway GPRS support node (GGSN). To determine the efficiency of over , networks employ counting procedures where the (RAN), such as UTRAN, requests UEs to report interest in a specific service, often transitioning a sample of idle-mode UEs to connected state for accurate tallying per cell. These counts inform decisions on bearer setup, such as switching to point-to-multipoint radio bearers if the user threshold is met, thereby conserving . The BM-SC plays a key role in scheduling these sessions based on aggregated counts from the RAN. MBMS Operation On-Demand (MOOD) introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the network to switch between and (or broadcast) modes based on real-time user count thresholds derived from consumption reporting. This feature, facilitated by the BM-SC, offloads traffic from unicast to MBMS bearers when demand exceeds predefined levels, optimizing resource allocation for popular content without permanent mode commitment. In evolved implementations, such as LTE, multicast traffic utilizes the Physical Multicast Channel (PMCH) for dedicated downlink transmission of MBMS data, supporting both single-cell point-to-multipoint (SC-PTM) and MBSFN modes.

Implementations in 3G and 4G

MBMS in UMTS

MBMS integration into the UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) leverages both point-to-point (PTP) and point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission modes to optimize resource usage for broadcast and multicast delivery. In PTP mode, dedicated transport channels (DTCH) are allocated to individual users, allowing for personalized service while maintaining compatibility with existing UMTS dedicated channels. For PTM mode, which enhances efficiency for group communications, MBMS employs shared channels including the MBMS point-to-multipoint transport channel (MTCH) for user data and the MBMS point-to-multipoint control channel (MCCH) for session announcements and control signaling, both mapped to the secondary common control physical channel (S-CCPCH). These mechanisms, defined in Release 6, enable UTRAN to handle MBMS bearers alongside unicast traffic without requiring extensive hardware modifications. UMTS MBMS supports two primary user service types: streaming for real-time applications and for non-real-time file delivery. Streaming services facilitate synchronized audio-visual content, such as broadcasts, by delivering continuous data flows with timing constraints to ensure low latency. Download services, in contrast, focus on reliable , such as software updates or media clips, using techniques like file repair procedures to handle packet losses. These service types are realized over IP-based bearers, with the Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC) coordinating content adaptation and delivery to suit constraints. Security in UMTS MBMS is governed by ETSI TS 33.246, which outlines key management protocols for content protection and user authentication in both broadcast and multicast modes. The system employs a hierarchical key structure, including MBMS service keys (MSK) and point-to-multipoint service keys (MUK), generated by the BM-SC and securely distributed to user equipment via the MBMS Security Key Delivery mechanism using MIKEY messages protected by the MBMS User Key (MUK). This ensures encryption of MBMS data streams and controls access through subscription verification, mitigating risks like unauthorized reception in open broadcast scenarios. Despite its innovations, MBMS in faces limitations inherent to infrastructure, including limited to 256 kbit/s for streaming services on MBMS bearers, which constrained its suitability for high-definition content and led to primary use in early mobile TV trials demonstrating efficiency. These trials, often leveraging PTM modes for audience , highlighted benefits in savings but underscored challenges like channel switching delays and coverage inconsistencies in varying radio conditions. To broaden deployment, MBMS extends support to the Radio Access Network (GERAN), enabling /2.5G operators to offer services with reduced data rates adapted to EDGE's modulation capabilities, typically achieving lower bit rates—such as up to 200 kbit/s using multiple timeslots—compared to UTRAN. This GERAN integration, specified in TS 43.246, uses packet data channels for PTM transmission while omitting advanced features like guaranteed bit rates, thus facilitating cost-effective rollouts in legacy networks without full upgrades.

eMBMS in LTE

The evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (eMBMS) represents the integration of MBMS capabilities into Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks, enabling efficient delivery of multimedia content to multiple users simultaneously while coexisting with traffic. Introduced in Release 9, eMBMS leverages LTE's (OFDMA) framework to support broadcast and multicast modes over dedicated or shared . A key addition in eMBMS is the use of Multicast-Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN) areas, which allow synchronized transmission of identical waveforms from multiple cells across a geographic region, enhancing coverage and for multi-cell broadcasts. This synchronization occurs within defined MBSFN synchronization areas, where base stations (eNBs) align timing to treat transmissions as a single large cell, reducing interference and enabling macro-diversity gains. Additionally, procedures such as counting and MBMS Operation On Demand (MOOD) support dynamic activation of services based on user demand. In Release 13 (2016), Single-Cell Point-to-Multipoint (SC-PTM) was introduced as a complementary transmission mode, allowing delivery from a single cell with lower latency compared to MBSFN, suitable for localized group communications. eMBMS integrates seamlessly with LTE services, operating in a mixed-carrier mode where broadcast/ traffic shares the same frequency band as . It utilizes the Physical Channel (PMCH) for dedicated multicast/broadcast subframes and the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) for hybrid or unicast-fallback scenarios, with up to 60% of subframes allocatable to eMBMS in early releases. This overlay design multiplexes eMBMS logical channels (e.g., Traffic Channel, MTCH) with resources via time-division, ensuring minimal disruption to voice and data services. For user services, eMBMS employs enhanced File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport () protocol with Asynchronous Layered Coding (ALC) to enable reliable file downloads and repair mechanisms, where receivers request missing segments via feedback if needed. This supports high-definition (HD) video streaming and file-based delivery, optimizing for error-prone wireless channels through and segmentation. Further enhancements in Release 11 focused on public safety applications, incorporating proximity services like LTE-Direct (device-to-device communication) to enable group calls and mission-critical push-to-talk over eMBMS, improving reliability in coverage-limited scenarios. In Release 14, Further evolved MBMS (FeMBMS) introduced compatibility with TV broadcast spectrum (e.g., UHF bands), allowing up to 100% subframe allocation to broadcast and supporting fixed reception for stationary devices alongside mobile TV services. In terms of performance, eMBMS can achieve peak throughputs of up to 100 Mbit/s in ideal conditions with 20 MHz bandwidth and favorable signal-to-noise ratios, benefiting from LTE's advanced modulation (up to 64-QAM) and options in later releases. Energy-efficient receiver designs, such as those exploiting MBSFN macro-diversity, reduce power consumption by minimizing retransmissions and enabling processing.

5G Enhancements

Multicast-Broadcast Service (MBS) Architecture

The Multicast-Broadcast Service (MBS) architecture extends the System (5GS) to enable efficient delivery of multicast and broadcast content, building on prior generations like eMBMS in LTE for enhanced resource utilization in NG-RAN and 5GC. Defined in Release 17 and refined in subsequent releases, it introduces specialized network functions and interfaces to support dynamic session management and flexible transmission modes while ensuring seamless integration with existing 5GC elements. Core components of the 5G MBS architecture include the MBS Session Management Function (MB-SMF), which handles MBS session establishment, modification, and release; authorizes user equipment (UE) joins to sessions; allocates Temporary Mobile Group Identities (TMGIs); derives Quality of Service (QoS) profiles; and coordinates with the standard Session Management Function (SMF) for unified control. The MBS User Plane Function (MB-UPF) serves as the anchor for MBS sessions, performing packet duplication, QoS enforcement, and forwarding of user plane data to the NG-RAN via multicast or unicast tunnels. Complementing these, the optional MBS Distribution System (MBSF) provides service-level support, including interworking with LTE MBMS gateways, service announcements, security key management, and session updates for multicast content distribution. Delivery methods in the architecture emphasize network efficiency through two primary approaches: shared delivery, which transmits a single copy of MBS data to multiple UEs using multicast over the NG-RAN in Point-to-Multipoint (PTM) mode via a common GTP-U tunnel (e.g., N3mb interface); and individual delivery, which provides unicast fallback to specific UEs via Point-to-Point (PTP) mode using dedicated PDU sessions and GTP-U tunnels (e.g., N3 interface). This dual-mode support allows dynamic switching based on UE density and coverage needs, with PTM optimizing radio resources for broadcast scenarios and PTP ensuring reliability for sparse audiences. Key interfaces facilitate integration with the 5GC, including the N3 interface between the MB-UPF and gNB for both shared and individual user plane data transport, enabling efficient tunneling to the . Service-based interfaces such as Nmbsmf (for MB-SMF interactions), N11mb (for SMF-MB-SMF coordination), and N4mb (for MB-UPF control) ensure dynamic MBS session management within the 5GC, reusing existing reference points like N1, N2, N5, and N10 with MBS-specific enhancements. For , the architecture supports interworking with LTE MBMS, including FeMBMS, in E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) mode, allowing hybrid LTE-5G deployments to share a common TMGI for service continuity and mobility across radio access technologies. As an extension of FeMBMS, 5G Broadcast, officially known as LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast, provides a downlink-only system for the distribution of television and other broadcast media content via terrestrial radio broadcast networks. It enables point-to-multipoint delivery to multiple receivers simultaneously, focusing primarily on mobile use cases such as smartphones and in-car radio, without requiring a SIM card or cellular subscription, thereby bypassing telecommunication operators. This technology leverages existing broadcast infrastructure for efficient, large-scale content distribution and is standardized in 3GPP Release 16, with further developments in subsequent releases. Release 17 enhancements in TS 23.247 focus on architectural refinements such as location-dependent MBS using Area Session IDs for targeted delivery, improved mobility via Xn and N2 handovers, and support for group messaging over MBS, all while maintaining resource efficiency in the 5GC and NG-RAN. Release 18 further enhances MBS with resource efficiency in RAN sharing scenarios and support for multicast reception by UEs in RRC inactive state.

Key Features and Improvements

The Multicast-Broadcast Service (MBS) introduces significant advancements over prior generations, enabling higher throughput capabilities leveraging New Radio (NR) enhancements, with peak rates approaching gigabits per second for sessions through efficient point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission and reduced duplication of data streams. This improvement stems from the integration of NR's high-bandwidth channels and hybrid delivery modes, allowing for scalable distribution of high-definition content without proportional increases in network load. Additionally, MBS achieves lower latency for mission-critical applications like public safety communications, targeting end-to-end delays as low as 60 milliseconds with high reliability (error rates below 10^{-6}), by supporting dynamic switching between PTM and point-to-point (PTP) modes and incorporating HARQ retransmissions for robust delivery. A key enhancement is the support for NR sidelink multicast, which facilitates direct device-to-device communications in scenarios requiring proximity-based groupcasting, building on the core MBS architecture for seamless integration with the 5G radio access network (RAN). These features enable diverse use cases, including vehicle-to-everything (V2X) group communications for safety alerts and cooperative driving, where broadcast messages can reach multiple vehicles efficiently over intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Mission-critical push-to-talk (MCPTT) benefits from MBS through reliable, low-latency group calls for public safety operations, allowing ad-hoc group formation and resource-efficient transmission to large responder teams. In 3GPP Releases 18 and 19, MBS evolves with resource pooling mechanisms that optimize spectrum and infrastructure sharing across operators, reducing redundancy in multi-cell environments and enhancing overall efficiency for concurrent services. Protocol support is detailed in TS 26.517, which specifies formats and procedures for MBS user services, including session descriptions via SDP and object distribution for reliable content delivery. This enables adaptive bitrate streaming through integration with Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH) or HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), where timed media segments are delivered with manifests for rate adaptation, ensuring smooth playback across varying network conditions. MBS addresses scalability challenges for massive IoT by supporting thousands of concurrent low-power devices in a single session, using lightweight session management and IP distribution to minimize signaling overhead and enable efficient firmware updates or data dissemination in industrial or environments.

Deployments and Applications

Commercial Deployments

Commercial deployments of Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) began in the early , primarily through trials and targeted implementations in and networks to deliver live video and multicast content efficiently. In the United States, Verizon conducted demonstrations of evolved MBMS (eMBMS) in LTE networks for live events, including a notable showcase of LTE multicast during the in 2014, enabling buffer-free video streaming to multiple devices. In , KT launched an eMBMS service in early 2014, focusing on mobile video delivery over LTE to support high-demand broadcast scenarios. In the , EE partnered with the for mobile TV trials using broadcast technology, including a demonstration at the at , where eMBMS delivered live streams to attendees' devices without buffering. By 2019, eMBMS adoption had expanded, with 41 operators worldwide investing in the technology through testing, trialing, or deployment. Of these, five operators had launched commercial services utilizing eMBMS, demonstrating its viability for mass-scale content delivery. For instance, in deployed eMBMS for live sports streaming, including coverage of events like the and V8 Supercars races in 2015, which allowed efficient multicast to thousands of users in stadiums and beyond. These deployments highlighted eMBMS's role in optimizing spectrum usage for popular content, though uptake remained selective due to device ecosystem challenges. To accelerate global adoption, the LTE Broadcast Alliance was formed in April 2016 by founding members Verizon, , KT, and , with efforts focused on ecosystem development, device integration, and promoting eMBMS for video services. The alliance continued operations beyond 2016, advocating for broader operator and vendor participation to expand LTE broadcast capabilities. However, dedicated eMBMS services faced setbacks, exemplified by Verizon's shutdown of its mobile video platform in July 2018, which had relied on eMBMS for ad-supported streaming but struggled to attract sufficient users amid competition from alternatives. Transitioning to 5G, enhancements under the Multicast-Broadcast Service (MBS) framework saw initial trials around 2022, aligned with Release 17 specifications that introduced improved architecture for and broadcast in 5G New Radio. Limited commercial pilots emerged, leveraging for efficient data sharing in applications such as (V2X) in intelligent transport scenarios. As of 2025, 5G MBS deployments remained sparse and regionally focused, with announcements for commercial services in countries including , , , and , but no widespread global rollout due to operators' preference for delivery in established 5G networks. In Europe, public broadcasters from France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Austria signed a memorandum of understanding in July 2023 to advance 5G Broadcast, utilizing the UHF frequency band of 470–694 MHz for interference-free broadcasting. In the United States, low-power TV stations such as WWOO-TV in Boston conducted trials in 2023 to deliver live TV and emergency alerts using 5G Broadcast. In Spain, UHD Spain performed a proof-of-concept trial in October 2023 for UHD-HDR broadcasting with next-generation audio using 5G Broadcast. In France, TDF operated a large-scale trial of 5G Broadcast during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, validating end-to-end technical performance. In Germany, Media Broadcast launched a pilot project in Halle in August 2024, testing transmission parameters, program quality, and integration of disaster protection warnings over UHF Channel 40, reaching up to 260,000 residents. However, in July 2025, German broadcaster ARD suspended further investment in 5G Broadcast after extensive pilots, including joint livestreams during the 2024 UEFA European Championship and Olympics, while continuing to monitor market developments.

Use Cases and Case Studies

One prominent use case for MBMS in media and is the delivery of mobile TV services, enabling efficient distribution of linear video content to multiple mobile devices. The British Broadcasting Corporation () conducted trials of evolved MBMS (eMBMS) to demonstrate its potential for mobile TV, including a 2014 demonstration at the where broadcast technology delivered live video streams to attendees' devices. Similarly, in 2015, the tested eMBMS at the in , showcasing seamless delivery of live sports content over LTE networks to enhance viewer experiences in crowded venues. Live event streaming represents another key application, where MBMS reduces network load during high-concurrency scenarios. Verizon Wireless trialed eMBMS for the 2014 , broadcasting the event via LTE multicast to demonstrate reliable video delivery to numerous users without overwhelming resources. A stated advantage of 5G Broadcast is its ability to offload traffic from mobile networks during large live broadcasts by enabling point-to-multipoint transmission without requiring an internet connection or cellular subscription. In public safety, MBMS facilitates the rapid dissemination of emergency alerts and group messaging, particularly through its broadcast capabilities in Release 11 and later. The service supports Public Warning Systems (PWS) by delivering notifications to large areas via MBMS bearers, ensuring efficient transmission to multiple recipients and minimizing congestion compared to point-to-point methods like . This enables authorities to issue imminent threat alerts or alerts to geographically targeted populations within seconds, enhancing response times in disasters or crises. 5G Broadcast trials, such as the 2024 Halle pilot, have integrated disaster protection warnings, demonstrating its potential for real-time emergency communications over existing broadcast infrastructure. For enterprise and IoT applications, MBMS in , known as Multicast-Broadcast Service (MBS), supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates for connected devices, allowing simultaneous delivery to fleets of vehicles or sensors. highlights its use in smart vehicles for centralized OTA multicast updates, including software patches and map revisions, leveraging FeMBMS from Releases 14-16 for . In vehicular-to-everything (V2X) communications, MBS enables safety messaging over Uu interfaces, providing provisioning information for non-session-based services like collision warnings in multi-vendor environments. Case studies illustrate MBMS's practical impact. In January 2014, launched the world's first commercial LTE Broadcast service using eMBMS, delivering two video streaming channels to devices via a software , marking an early step toward scalable mobile TV deployment. In , 5G MBS trials in 2023 advanced venue casting for stadiums and events; for instance, and Telecom conducted demonstrations at in Barcelona's Fira Gran Via, broadcasting live TV and radio to mobile devices using 5 MHz bandwidth in the 617-622 MHz spectrum. Another trial by EI-Towers in Lissone, , in March 2023, tested Release 16 for potential stadium applications, distributing content to prototype handsets and exploring coverage for high-density crowds. These implementations highlight MBMS's bandwidth efficiency, achieving savings up to 90% in high-user-density scenarios by transmitting a single stream to multiple recipients instead of duplicating flows.

Standards and Specifications

3GPP Release Timeline

The Release 6, completed in 2004, introduced the initial architecture for the Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) to enable efficient delivery of multimedia content over networks, as defined in TS 23.246. This release established core components such as the Broadcast Multicast Service (BM-SC) and modifications to packet-switched domain entities including the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), and Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN). In Release 9, finalized in 2009, evolved MBMS (eMBMS) was introduced for LTE (E-UTRAN) networks to support multimedia broadcast, with enhancements detailed in TS 36.300. These updates improved integration for MBMS, focusing on stage 2 specifications for efficient and broadcast transmission. Release 11, concluded in 2012, enhanced eMBMS with support for service continuity in multi-carrier deployments and introduced public safety features such as high-power in Band 14 for improved emergency coverage. These enhancements enabled better delivery for mission-critical applications in public safety scenarios. Release 13, completed in , introduced Single-Cell Point-to-Multipoint (SC-PTM) transmission for localized and broadcast delivery in LTE, enhancing efficiency for group communications. Release 14, completed in , advanced eMBMS to Further evolved MBMS (FeMBMS) with features like longer cyclic prefixes and additional interfaces such as xMB for content provider integration, building on SC-PTM, as specified in TS 36.300. FeMBMS incorporated longer cyclic prefixes and additional interfaces like xMB for content provider integration, while allowing -broadcast in individual cells for improved efficiency; it serves as the foundation for LTE-based 5G Terrestrial Broadcast, commonly known as 5G Broadcast. Release 16, completed in 2020, further developed FeMBMS for 5G Broadcast, completing the comprehensive set of specifications for LTE-based terrestrial broadcast systems, including support for downlink-only modes and integration with existing broadcast infrastructure. Release 17, finalized in 2021, outlined requirements for 5G Multicast-Broadcast Service (MBS) to support next-generation broadcast and multicast in NR networks, as per TS 22.261, with updates to FeMBMS enhancing 5G Broadcast capabilities. This release defined service-level needs for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint delivery modes, laying the foundation for MBS architecture. Release 18, completed in 2024, enhanced MBS with features like support and hybrid unicast/broadcast delivery for improved efficiency, including a September 2023 specification update adding support for UHF broadcast bands such as 470-694 MHz. Releases 18 and 19 (ongoing as of 2025) focus on enhancements to MBS for greater resource efficiency and system integration, including support for (V2X) and further optimizations in TS 22.261. These updates build on Release 17 by improving and enabling advanced use cases like integrated unicast-multicast operations; 5G Broadcast, as an LTE-based system, remains distinct from standards like ATSC 3.0, which is tailored for next-generation television in specific regions such as the United States.

Key Technical Documents

The key technical documents for Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) are specified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project () and outline the service requirements, architecture, physical layer aspects, protocols, security, and enhancements for 5G evolution. 3GPP TS 22.146 defines the stage 1 service requirements for MBMS, providing a high-level description of broadcast and multicast services in the 3GPP system, including user service aspects such as reception preferences and priority procedures. 3GPP TS 23.246 specifies the architecture and functional description of MBMS, detailing the point-to-multipoint service delivery from a single source to multiple recipients, including network elements like the Broadcast Multicast Service Center (BM-SC) and bearer management; this document has been updated through Release 17 to incorporate ongoing enhancements. For physical layer aspects, 3GPP TS 25.346 introduces MBMS in the UMTS Radio Access Network (RAN) at stage 2, covering radio bearer setup and resource allocation for and broadcast modes in UTRAN. Complementing this for LTE, 3GPP TS 36.300 provides an overall description of E-UTRA and E-UTRAN, including evolved MBMS (eMBMS) integration for efficient -broadcast transmission in the LTE RAN. 3GPP TS 26.346 outlines protocols and codecs for MBMS user services, specifying media formats, transport mechanisms such as File Delivery over Unidirectional Transport () for file downloads, and application-level protocols to enable service deployment over MBMS bearers. is addressed in 3GPP TS 33.246, which defines the security architecture for MBMS, including , end-to-end protection between the BM-SC and , and mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access without inferring radio-level user keys. For 5G-specific enhancements, 3GPP TS 23.247 describes architectural enhancements for 5G multicast-broadcast services (MBS), extending MBMS concepts to support point-to-multipoint delivery in the system architecture. Additionally, 3GPP TS 26.517 specifies protocols and formats for 5G MBS user services, building on TS 26.502 to define media handling, announcements, and conveyance using 5G multicast-broadcast capabilities.

Competing Technologies

Alternative Broadcast Solutions

Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld (DVB-H) represents a terrestrial standard developed for delivering multimedia content to mobile devices, standardized by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) as EN 302 304 in November 2004. It builds on the Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial (DVB-T) framework, incorporating enhancements like time-slicing and to enable efficient reception on battery-powered handhelds in mobile environments. Trials of DVB-H commenced in the mid-2000s across Europe and other regions, with notable pilots in (2006) and demonstrations in cities like and , focusing on live TV and interactive services. Despite initial enthusiasm, widespread commercial adoption waned by the early as internet-based streaming gained prominence, leading to limited sustained deployments. MediaFLO, developed by , emerged as a dedicated broadcast for mobile multimedia in the United States, utilizing the 700 MHz spectrum to deliver high-quality video to handheld devices. Commercial deployment began in 2007 under the FLO TV brand, offering over 20 channels of live content to subscribers via compatible phones in major markets like New York and . The service operated until its discontinuation in March 2011, following Qualcomm's sale of spectrum assets to amid insufficient consumer uptake and shifting market dynamics toward data-centric mobile services. ATSC 3.0, known as NextGen TV, constitutes the advanced terrestrial broadcasting standard in the , approved by the (FCC) and supporting mobile reception through improved signal robustness and IP-based delivery. Initial rollouts commenced in 2018 with voluntary deployments by broadcasters in select markets, enabling features like 4K video, immersive audio, and targeted advertising on portable devices. As of 2025, deployments cover over 75% of the population with ongoing expansions in major urban areas. By integrating (OFDM) and layered division multiplexing (LDM), it facilitates reliable over-the-air transmission to mobiles, with ongoing expansions covering major urban areas. Unicast streaming via (HLS) has become the predominant method for multimedia delivery over LTE and networks, relying on adaptive bitrate techniques to adjust quality based on network conditions. Developed by Apple and formalized in RFC 8216, HLS segments video into short files served over standard HTTP, enabling seamless playback on diverse devices without dedicated broadcast infrastructure. Its simplicity in leveraging existing web servers and compatibility with cellular has driven widespread adoption by content providers for on-demand and live streaming. Complementary approaches include multicast, which optimizes local-area distribution by transmitting data to multiple receivers simultaneously, reducing bandwidth overhead in dense environments like stadiums or campuses. This IEEE 802.11-based method addresses broadcast-like efficiency over wireless LANs, though it contends with challenges such as rate limitations for reliability. Similarly, DVB-SH provides a hybrid satellite-terrestrial solution for wide-area mobile broadcasting, combining satellite feeds with ground repeaters to deliver IP-encapsulated content below 3 GHz. Standardized by ETSI as EN 302 583, it employs OFDM for terrestrial paths and TDM for satellite, supporting services like mobile TV across large regions.

Performance Comparisons

The Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBS) in networks offers significant advantages over traditional delivery in scenarios involving multiple recipients, primarily through improved spectrum and reduced network load. In unicast mode, each (UE) receives a dedicated , leading to exponential resource consumption as the number of users increases—for instance, delivering the same video content to 100 UEs requires 100 separate , straining bandwidth and capacity. In contrast, MBS employs point-to-multipoint (PTM) transmission via or broadcast, using a single stream to serve all interested UEs, which can significantly reduce downlink resource usage in high-density group communications like live events or public safety missions. This is particularly evident in Release 17 and 18 specifications, where supports (HARQ) feedback for reliability comparable to unicast, while broadcast mode prioritizes scalability without UE-specific acknowledgments. For LTE's evolved MBMS (eMBMS), similar gains were observed, with multicast delivery on the physical multicast channel (PMCH) achieving higher than unicast on the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), especially when using higher modulation schemes like 64-QAM, which can support transport block sizes up to 21,384 bits over 50 resource blocks. Studies indicate eMBMS significantly reduces resource block allocation compared to for the same content delivery to multiple UEs, though it may incur slightly higher latency in group call setups due to scheduling overhead. Battery life benefits arise from minimized UE processing in broadcast mode, as no feedback loops are needed, potentially improving device operation in continuous reception scenarios versus unicast's repeated transmissions. When compared to dedicated broadcast standards like , MBS demonstrates trade-offs in terrestrial mobile broadcasting. ATSC 3.0 excels in coverage and robustness, supporting inter-site distances up to 100 km with low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes and advanced interleaving (up to 400 ms), achieving better block error rate (BLER) performance in channels—simulations show ATSC 3.0 maintaining lower BLER at signal-to-noise ratios 1-2 dB below broadcast thresholds. Data rates are comparable, with ATSC 3.0 reaching 25-39 Mbps using 4096-QAM in 6-8 MHz channels, versus MBS's 20-30 Mbps in similar bandwidths, but ATSC's lower overhead (35%) provides better power efficiency for fixed and mobile reception. However, MBS integrates seamlessly with cellular networks, enabling hybrid unicast-multicast fallback and leveraging NR features like for targeted delivery, which ATSC lacks in non-broadcast environments.
Metric5G MBS (Rel-17/18)Unicast (5G NR)ATSC 3.0
Spectrum EfficiencyHigh (single stream for groups; significant savings vs. )Low (per-UE streams; scales poorly)Very high (35% overhead; LDPC codes)
Coverage (ISD)0.2-30 km (depending on deployment )UE-specific (no inherent broadcast)Up to 100 km (HPHT )
Data Rate (8 MHz)20-30 MbpsVariable (up to 1 Gbps single UE)25-39 Mbps (4096-QAM)
Robustness (Mobile)Moderate (; no deep interleaving)High (HARQ feedback)High (400 ms interleaving; )
Battery ImpactLow consumption (no feedback in broadcast)Higher (retransmissions)Low (downlink-only)
In comparisons with , another terrestrial broadcast standard, 5G MBS offers greater flexibility for converged services but lags in pure broadcast efficiency; achieves higher peak data rates (up to 50 Mbps in 8 MHz) with multiple-input multiple-output () support, making it preferable for stationary reception, while MBS shines in dynamic, integrated ecosystems for vehicular or IoT applications. Overall, MBS's performance edge lies in its adaptability within mobile networks, though dedicated broadcast technologies like remain superior for wide-area, one-way dissemination without cellular infrastructure.

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