The continuing debate around competing demands for UHF spectrum - and the implications for broadcasters - will be top of the agenda at next month's FORECAST'13 seminar at the EBU in Geneva. Successive World Radiocommunication Conferences have resulted in reductions (or potential reductions) in the spectrum available for broadcasting. EBU Members must now consider how to secure the future of the digital terrestrial platforms that are central to the success of public service media in many countries.

High stakes for PSM

The subtitle for this year's FORECAST - Mission Critical for Public Service Media - is indicative of the potential seriousness of the situation. For many EBU Members, it is digital terrestrial TV (DTT) platforms that provide the near universal coverage, guaranteed quality of service and free-to-air accessibility  that are essential to fulfilling their mission.

The 800 MHz band has already been cleared in Europe for mobile telecommunications and, following last year's decision at WRC-12, the 700 MHz band is set to follow a similar path in many countries. Any further erosion of the spectrum available for broadcasting would significantly constrain the abilitiy of DTT to compete and develop in future.

The programme for FORECAST'13 (6-7 November) reflects the many important aspects of the discussion about the future of broadcasting and spectrum use. An opening keynote from EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre will remind delegates of what is at stake, to be followed by a session looking at the broad issues from the perspective of regulators, broadcasters and the consumer electronics industry. After lunch attention will turn to the technology, with presentations about how the next generation of DTT is taking shape.

Hybrid network possibilities

Day 2 will open with an examination of the concept of hybrid networks, where a combination of broadcast and mobile broadband techniques might deliver efficiencies and the 'best of both worlds'. Presenters will assess whether there is real potential to meet the needs of broadcasters and consumers with such hybrid approaches to delivery.

Other delivery platforms will be brought into the equation that afternoon, with a look at how the future is shaping up for satellite and cable networks, as well as a report from the global Future of Broadcast Television initiative. A lively end to the event is guaranteed, with a debate on whether terrestrial delivery will continue to sit at the heart of media delivery.