The EBU is urging the European Commission to accept the recommendation of a high-level policy group to guarantee long-term access to the 470-694 MHz band. The Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) is advising decision-makers on the development of radio spectrum policy across the European Union.

The recommendation is embedded in today’s RSPG opinions on the long term strategy for the future use of the UHF band (470-790MHz) and on the EU’s common policy objectives for the upcoming World Radio Conference (WRC) in November this year.

The RSPG opinion on the future use of the UHF band echoes Pascal Lamy’s report on the high level group dealing with same matter in 2014, in the sense that it recognizes the importance of the DTT platform and recommends that the 470-694 MHz remains available in the foreseeable future.  

“We welcome the RSPG’s approach on the 470-694 MHz and urge the European Commission to take the recommendations into account when formulating policy for the WRC 15.” saidEBU Head of European Affairs Nicola Frank. “Long-term access to the 470-694 MHz band amounts to a recognition of the importance of the DTT platform and the need to provide certainty for investments in broadcasting infrastructure.”

“However, we are disappointed with the RSPG recommendation to bring forward the release of the 700 MHz band to 2020/2022. This section represents 30% of the total remaining spectrum for TV broadcasting in the UHF band and releasing it by 2020/22 is, in our view, hasty. The EBU has argued for the 700 MHZ band to be protected until at least 2025, as this would allow the necessary time for EU member states to fully complete a complex and costly transition process.”

The EBU has always stressed that any decision on spectrum allocation should be based on an in-depth impact assessment, taking various political, social, cultural and economic interests into account.

“Any release of the 700 MHz should be very carefully planned and there must be clarity about full compensation in terms of funding and re-purposing of existing licensing rights.” continued Ms Frank. “ Appropriate and adequate spectrum must also be earmarked for PMSE (programme-making and special events equipment) before any release of the band.”