The Broadcast Challenge
Live streaming has one unforgiving requirement: consistent upload bandwidth. Unlike downloads (which can buffer), live video can't wait. If your connection drops or slows, viewers see stuttering, artifacts, or complete blackout.
For outside broadcast (OB), this creates a tension. You need to stream from wherever the action is — sports venues, news events, outdoor locations — but you can't guarantee what connectivity will be available.
Fixed lines might not exist. Single cellular connections are unreliable. Satellite adds latency. The solution? Bond everything together.
Bonding for Broadcast
WAN bonding aggregates multiple connections into a single, reliable stream. For broadcast, this typically means:
- Multiple 4G/5G SIMs across different networks
- Optional venue WiFi or ethernet if available
- Optional LEO satellite (Starlink) for backup
Bondix combines these into a single logical connection. Your encoder sees one network interface; Bondix handles the complexity behind the scenes.
Critical benefits for live streaming:
- Aggregated upload: If each SIM provides 15 Mbps upload, four SIMs can deliver close to 60 Mbps
- Packet-level bonding: Traffic is distributed across connections at packet level, not flow level
- Instant failover: If one SIM drops, remaining connections absorb the load — no visible interruption
- Jitter reduction: Multiple paths reduce the impact of individual connection instability
Teltonika + Bondix for OB
Teltonika's RUTX50 (5G) and RUTX14 (4G Cat12) routers are popular choices for broadcast applications. Both support:
- Dual SIM with active switching
- Bondix client built-in
- External antenna connectors for improved reception
- GPS for location tracking
- Ethernet for encoder connection
For maximum bandwidth, some deployments use multiple Teltonika routers — each with two SIMs — all bonding to a single Bondix server. Eight SIMs across four networks can provide serious aggregate bandwidth.
SimpliWiFi for Broadcast
We've supported live broadcasts for festivals, sporting events, and news operations across the UK. Our broadcast offering includes:
- UK-hosted Bondix servers: Low latency to UK CDN edge points
- Steered multi-network SIMs: Pre-test network performance at venue, steer away from congested networks
- Pre-configured kits: Teltonika routers, SIMs, and Bondix ready to deploy
- Event support: Real-time monitoring and network steering during live broadcasts
We also offer temporary WiFi hire with integrated bonding for larger broadcast operations that need on-site infrastructure.
Bandwidth Guidance
| Stream Quality | Typical Bitrate | Recommended Upload |
|---|---|---|
| 720p 30fps | 3–5 Mbps | 8–10 Mbps (1.5–2x headroom) |
| 1080p 30fps | 5–8 Mbps | 12–16 Mbps |
| 1080p 60fps | 8–12 Mbps | 18–25 Mbps |
| 4K 30fps | 20–30 Mbps | 40–60 Mbps |
Bonding 4–8 SIMs typically delivers 40–80 Mbps aggregate upload in areas with decent 4G/5G coverage — enough for 4K streaming with headroom.
Getting Started
Whether you're a production company, news organisation, or content creator, we can help with broadcast connectivity:
- One-off events: Hire bonding kits for single broadcasts
- Permanent deployment: Purchase hardware with ongoing Bondix subscription
- Managed service: We handle everything including on-site support
Ready to Stream Without Dropping a Frame?
Start a free 48-hour Bondix trial or contact us to discuss your broadcast connectivity requirements.
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