HardwareTechnical DevelopmentJune 29, 2026

RTL Deutschland validates Clear-Com's 5G intercom across Nürburgring circuit

Clear-Com's FreeSpeak Cell intercom system was successfully tested by RTL Deutschland during a live event at the Nürburgring, demonstrating reliable, low-latency communications over private and public 5G networks. The proof of concept, supported by Deutsche Telekom, showed extended coverage across large-scale production environments without complex infrastructure. This validation advances cellular-based intercom workflows for broadcast and live production.

Key Takeaways

Coverage extended across nearly the entire Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit, paddock, and Hatzenbach production areas using existing 5G infrastructure
System operated successfully across both private campus and public 5G networks in a single deployment
RTL integrated FreeSpeak Cell with its existing communications ecosystem, eliminating the need for multiple DECT antennas
Deutsche Telekom provided 5G network expertise and connectivity for the proof of concept
RTL Project Engineer Jens Schilder called the test "a decisive step toward fully mobile remote productions"

Why It Matters

The Nürburgring deployment validates cellular-based intercom as a practical alternative to DECT and UHF systems for large-scale live production. By using existing 5G infrastructure instead of deploying multiple transceivers, broadcasters can reduce setup complexity, cabling, and spectrum coordination costs at sprawling venues. The broader industry is moving in the same direction: the EBU published a white paper on private 5G for PMSE applications in March 2026, and ITN, Neutral Wireless, and Haivision deployed private 5G for the London New Year's Eve Fireworks broadcast. Watch whether additional major broadcasters follow RTL's lead with FreeSpeak Cell deployments at large venues in the second half of 2026.

Additional Context

FreeSpeak Cell debuted at NAB 2026 on April 17, 2026, roughly two months before the Nürburgring test. Clear-Com said the system would begin shipping in spring 2026 in the United States, with additional regional regulatory certifications expected throughout the year, per Clear-Com's announcement. The system supports deployments of 100 or more beltpacks and can scale to hundreds of users depending on network configuration. It currently integrates with the Eclipse HX digital matrix platform, with Arcadia Central Station integration expected months after initial release and Gen-IC cloud platform support planned for later in 2026.

The Nürburgring proof of concept fits within a broader industry shift toward private 5G for live production. In March 2026, the EBU published a white paper advocating for access to spectrum for private 5G networks used in Programme Making and Special Events (PMSE) applications, reflecting growing member interest in cellular-based production workflows. The EBU also released Technical Report 080, documenting member trials of 5G networks for content production and contribution.

Several recent deployments underscore the momentum. ITN, Neutral Wireless, and Haivision delivered the UK's first live broadcast using new n40 private 5G spectrum during the London New Year's Eve Fireworks 2025/26, using a portable pop-up 5G system to support wireless camera positions along the Thames riverbank, per TV Tech, March 2026. NTT and NTT East successfully tested local 5G for simultaneous multi-camera live transmission during a J.League match at Tokyo's MUFG Stadium in June 2026, per IBTimes. Telefónica and Sony completed a 5G mmWave broadcast trial at Madrid's Movistar Arena, achieving upload speeds exceeding 1.8 Gbps, per SVG Europe. These trials collectively demonstrate that 5G is moving from experimental to operational use across both video contribution and intercom workflows.

Read full article at provideocoalition.com