Private 5G Spectrum Powers London Fireworks Broadcast in UK First
Event summary
- ITN, Neutral Wireless, and Haivision deployed private 5G spectrum (n40 band) for live broadcast of London New Year’s Eve Fireworks 2025/26.
- The deployment used short-notice, short-duration spectrum licenses introduced by Ofcom in December 2025.
- Neutral Wireless’ Pop-up 5G Pro system provided wireless coverage for two full HD camera feeds via Haivision’s StreamHub.
- The broadcast reduced reliance on cabling and traditional infrastructure, enabling more sustainable production.
The big picture
This deployment marks a strategic shift in live broadcast production, leveraging private 5G to overcome public network congestion. Ofcom’s new spectrum licensing model lowers barriers to entry, enabling faster, more flexible deployments. The success of this trial could set a precedent for broader adoption of private 5G in live news, sports, and entertainment.
What we're watching
- Spectrum Adoption
- The pace at which Ofcom’s short-notice spectrum licenses accelerate private 5G deployments in live production.
- Production Efficiency
- How private 5G adoption will reduce reliance on traditional broadcast infrastructure in high-density urban environments.
- Market Expansion
- Whether Haivision and Neutral Wireless can scale this model beyond live events into other high-demand broadcast sectors.
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