Constructing Enhanced Worth is Imminent
New Joint Venture Aims to Revolutionize Nationwide Data Delivery
In a groundbreaking move, four major broadcasters - E.W. Scripps, Gray Media, Nexstar Media Group, and Sinclair - have formed a joint venture called EdgeBeam Wireless. The goal of this venture is to harness the power of the ATSC 3.0 standard to provide nationwide data delivery services [1].
ATSC 3.0, or the Next Generation Television standard, allows broadcasters to deliver data using IP packets over the air. This opens up a world of possibilities, as broadcasters can exploit the one-to-many strength of broadcasting and the use of internet protocol packets to deliver data efficiently and securely [2].
The potential annual revenue for the industry from an ATSC 3.0-based datacasting scenario, as forecasted by BIA Advisory Services in November 2021, ranges from $6.4 billion to $15 billion by 2030, depending upon the number of bits allocated. However, specific revenue projections for EdgeBeam Wireless by 2030 are not publicly detailed [1][3][5].
EdgeBeam Wireless invites other broadcasters to participate in the venture, and some have already laid the groundwork to create a wireless data-distribution network [1]. The value of TV spectrum is increasingly recognized for its potential in data transmission, and the launch of ATSC 3.0 has enabled broadcasters to deliver data as IP packets [2].
Public broadcasters emphasize the spectrum's role in benefiting local communities and society at large. If successful, EdgeBeam Wireless could create a significant new revenue stream for its partners and others joining in, providing a strategic opportunity for broadcasters to diversify revenue as traditional streams decline [3].
Sinclair, the largest participant, posted $3.48 billion revenue on all operations in the recent trailing twelve months, but does not separately disclose EdgeBeam Wireless revenues or forecasts [5]. The newfound revenue from 3.0-based datacasting could be beneficial to broadcasters and their shareholders, offering an achievable path towards building greater TV spectrum value [4].
Any wireless company bidding in a future incentive auction should account for the potential value of TV spectrum from 3.0-based datacasting. The industry advocacy around ATSC 3.0 transition timelines suggests confidence that demand and market adoption will grow in coming years, which is necessary groundwork for EdgeBeam’s long-term revenue potential [2].
In conclusion, while EdgeBeam Wireless is positioned as a potentially significant new data delivery business utilizing ATSC 3.0, there are no publicly available concrete revenue estimates for 2030 or detailed financial scenarios provided in the sources accessed. Any quantitative revenue estimates would currently be speculative without direct company guidance or market forecasts.
[1] The Hollywood Reporter [2] Broadcasting & Cable [3] Multichannel News [4] FierceVideo [5] Seeking Alpha
- The joint venture, EdgeBeam Wireless, plans to utilize ATSC 3.0, the Next Generation Television standard, to broadcast data nationwide, leveraging the power of both television and internet technologies.
- The four founding broadcasters, E.W. Scripps, Gray Media, Nexstar Media Group, and Sinclair, aim to deliver data efficiently and securely, exploiting the one-to-many strength of broadcasting and the use of internet protocol packets.
- BIA Advisory Services forecasted that the potential annual revenue for the industry from an ATSC 3.0-based datacasting scenario ranges from $6.4 billion to $15 billion by 2030, with specific revenue projections for EdgeBeam Wireless remaining undisclosed.
- EdgeBeam Wireless invites other broadcasters to join the venture, recognizing the value of TV spectrum for data transmission and the potential of ATSC 3.0 to deliver data as IP packets.
- The revenue from 3.0-based datacasting could provide a strategic opportunity for broadcasters to diversify revenue as traditional streams decline, offering a significant new revenue stream for EdgeBeam Wireless and its partners.
- Future wireless companies bidding in incentive auctions should consider the potential value of TV spectrum from 3.0-based datacasting, given the industry's confidence in the growth of demand and market adoption for this next-generation data delivery technology.
