Roland Beutler has a master’s degree in physics from the University of Stuttgart, Germany, and a PhD degree in mathematical physics from the Max-Planck-Institute for Metal Physics, Stuttgart. In 1993 he joined SWR to work in the frequency planning department and is currently responsible for programme distribution strategy. Between 1995 and 1996 he worked at the Università degli Studi di Lecce, Italy, under a Fellowship of the European Commission.

Dr Beutler has been participating in EBU technical activities for more than 20 years and has chaired several EBU groups dealing with the future of broadcast distribution systems. He was chair of the several of EBU’s Strategic Programmes and Project Teams. Currently he acts as chairman for the Strategic Programme on Distribution. This group coordinates the engagement of European broadcasters in 3GPP, the global standardization organization of mobile technology. Roland Beutler is actively participating in different 3GPP groups to support the requirements of broadcasters. He is also Vice-Chair of the 5G Media Action Group, a MRP of 3GPP, and Chair of 5G-MAG WG1.

Roland Beutler has been involved in ITU and CEPT work for many years and has been responsible for several of their working groups, both radio and TV related. He participated in RRC-06, WRC-12, WRC-15, and WRC-19. Moreover, he has published many articles and four textbooks.